Kelsey Ransom’s standout performance with 14 points spearheaded Georgetown’s remarkable 55-46 victory over the 21st-ranked Creighton in the Big East Tournament semifinals, a triumph that coincided with what would have been the 42nd birthday of their late coach Tasha Butts. Alex Cowan also made a significant contribution to the Hoyas’ win with 12 points, propelling Georgetown (22-10) on a six-game winning streak and securing their first-ever appearance in the conference championship game, thereby bolstering their prospects for an at-large NCAA Tournament bid.
The emotional weight of the victory was amplified when the team discovered the significance of the date post-game, remembering Butts, who passed away from breast cancer in October, having been appointed as the Hoyas coach in April. Since her untimely demise, Darnell Haney has stepped in as the interim coach, guiding the team through this challenging period.
“What I know is true is how important and impactful Coach Tasha was for us in the spring and in our fall practices and how clear it was that our next step was just to get back in the gym and work as hard as we could in her honor,” said forward Graceann Bennett, who had eight points and 11 rebounds. “It’s how she started the program, the foundation that she set, and it became our responsibility to do it moving forward and do it out of love for her, for each other, and love and respect for the game.”
Despite Morgan Maly’s 14-point effort for Creighton (25-5), her performance was not enough to extend their four-game winning streak, as she only managed to make five out of 15 shots. Georgetown held a slender three-point lead at halftime, but they dominated the opening of the third quarter with a 10-0 run, maintaining the lead throughout the second half.
A crucial moment came when Ariel Jenkins capitalized on a missed layup by Grace Bennet, scoring a putback along with a free throw to extend the Hoyas’ lead to double digits at 33-23. Cowan’s subsequent three-pointer further widened the gap to 13 points, prompting a Creighton timeout. Creighton struggled offensively, remaining scoreless for the initial five minutes of the third quarter until McKayla Miller broke the drought with two free throws.
Entering the fourth quarter with an eight-point advantage at 41-33, Georgetown managed to keep Creighton at bay, setting up a championship showdown with the top-seeded and ninth-ranked UConn, who secured their spot in the final by defeating Marquette 58-29 in the other semifinal. This victory not only marks a significant milestone for Georgetown’s basketball program but also serves as a poignant tribute to Coach Butts, whose legacy continues to inspire the team.