WOMEN’S BASKETBALL | Hoyas Blow 12-Point Lead to Creighton, Bow Out of Big East Tournament

Washington, D.C. – March 9, 2025
In a dramatic and heart-wrenching Big East Tournament contest, the Georgetown Hoyas women’s basketball team squandered a commanding 12-point lead before succumbing to a resurgent Creighton squad. The loss marks an abrupt end to Georgetown’s tournament run and has left players, coaches, and fans searching for answers.

A Promising Start Turns Sour

From the opening tip-off, the Hoyas appeared poised for a memorable tournament performance. With sharp shooting and tight defense, Georgetown built a 12-point cushion by the end of the first half. Senior guard Jasmine Mitchell led the charge, orchestrating the offense with precise passes and a string of confident drives. The Hoyas’ early dominance had many in the arena believing that a deep tournament run was well within reach.

“Going into the game, we felt in control and knew we had the momentum on our side,” Mitchell remarked after the game. “We were excited, and that lead gave us the confidence that nothing could stop us.”

Second-Half Collapse: Creighton’s Resurgence

However, as the second half unfolded, Creighton began to chip away at the Hoyas’ lead with a series of well-executed plays. Led by forward Alicia Reynolds, who came off the bench to deliver a barrage of three-pointers and aggressive rebounds, the Bluejays shifted the momentum. Creighton’s defense tightened, forcing Georgetown into uncharacteristic turnovers and contested shots.

Head Coach Marissa Thompson, known for her calm demeanor and strategic adjustments, struggled to stem the tide. “We recognized the shift in tempo early on, but our adjustments came too little, too late,” Thompson said. “Creighton executed their game plan perfectly, and we just couldn’t get back into our rhythm.”

As the clock dwindled, Creighton’s relentless pressure transformed their modest comeback into a full-blown rally. The Hoyas, who had looked nearly unstoppable in the first half, found themselves unable to halt the surge. Despite valiant efforts from their bench, including a spirited performance by freshman forward Kelsey Grant, Georgetown ultimately fell behind in the final minutes.

The Emotional Toll and Post-Game Reflections

The loss has sparked deep introspection within the team and the broader Hoya community. Players expressed disappointment not only in the outcome but in the manner in which the lead was lost. “It hurts to see a 12-point lead evaporate,” said Grant, visibly emotional on the sideline. “We have to learn from this and figure out how to maintain our composure when the pressure ramps up.”

Coach Thompson echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the need for improved in-game adjustments and mental fortitude. “This is a tough lesson for all of us,” she stated. “Basketball is a game of momentum, and when you let that slip away, it can be incredibly hard to claw back. Our focus now is on learning from this experience so we can come back stronger next season.”

Implications for the Tournament and Program Future

The early exit from the Big East Tournament is a significant setback for a program that has been building momentum all season. Analysts noted that while the loss stings, it also provides an opportunity for the Hoyas to reassess and refine their strategies. “Losing a lead of this magnitude in a high-stakes game is a wake-up call,” said a college basketball analyst. “It forces a program to dig deep and address areas that might have been overlooked during the regular season.”

For Georgetown, the loss serves as both a moment of disappointment and a catalyst for future improvement. With several key players returning next season and a commitment to bolstering their support staff, the program’s leadership is optimistic about the road ahead. “This is a learning moment,” Coach Thompson added. “We will take these lessons, work harder in the offseason, and come back with a renewed sense of purpose.”

Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Resilience

As the echoes of the game fade, the focus now shifts to rebuilding team resilience and addressing the shortcomings that led to the collapse. The coaching staff plans to hold a series of team meetings and film sessions in the coming days to review critical moments from the game and develop strategies for future contests.

The loss, though painful, has also galvanized the Hoyas. Fans have taken to social media to express their unwavering support, emphasizing that the team’s spirit remains unbroken. “We believe in our girls,” one fan tweeted. “Every setback is just a setup for a great comeback.”

For now, the tournament exit is a bitter pill to swallow, but it may well serve as the impetus for a brighter future. With the foundation of talent and dedication firmly in place, the Georgetown Hoyas women’s basketball team is determined to turn this setback into a stepping stone towards future success.

As the season concludes, all eyes will be on how the team evolves during the offseason. The lessons learned from this tournament loss will undoubtedly shape the Hoyas’ approach next season, as they work tirelessly to ensure that a 12-point lead will never again slip away unnoticed.