2/16/2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Despite a strong start and a valiant effort from tri-captain Bethany LeSueur (Jr., Garden City, N.Y./ Garden City), the Georgetown University women's basketball team fell to the defending National Champion UConn Huskies by a score of 67-49.  The Hoyas entertained the Huskies in a crowded McDonough Arena, with a season high 1,607 fans attending the game.

The Hoyas started the game sharp, capitalizing on four UConn turnovers in their first nine possessions and jumping out to a 9-2 lead.  The Huskies, however, were quick to battle back.  After tying the contest at 15 midway through the half, the Huskies outscored the Hoyas 19-5 in the remainder of the period, taking a 34-20 lead into the tunnel. 

The Hoyas once again came out of the gate in the second half with a great deal of intensity, but they were unable to put a massive dent Connecticut's lead due to solid three point shooting by the Huskies.  The Hoyas closed the gap to 11 before finally succumbing to the UConn press and allowing a 17-0 run by the Huskies that expanded the lead to 28 (57-29) with 9:29 remaining.  The Hoyas never gave up and finished the game 18 points short.

LeSueur paced the Hoyas with 18 points and 10 rebounds, her second double-double of the season and seventh consecutive game scoring double digits.  Kieraah Marlow (Fr., Coatesville, Pa./ Coatesville), who was sidelined with foul trouble for much of the first half still managed to crack double figures, adding 10 points and eight rebounds.  Connecticut's Ann Strother paced all scorers with 20 points, hitting a perfect 4-of-4 from downtown.

Both teams played aggressively on defense throughout the game, with UConn causing 25 turnovers and the Hoyas causing 22.  The Hoyas also recorded 15 steals and Connecticut tallied 11.  The Huskies out shot the Hoyas 43% to 33% and won the rebounding battle 38-35.

The Hoyas next travel to West Virginia this Saturday to take on the Mountaineers at 1 p.m.

Some photos of the game by Phil Humnicky are below: