Key Highlights
- Sabou Gueye scored a career-high 31 points for Providence.
- Teneisia Brown recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 14 points and 14 rebounds.
- The Friars defeated DePaul 69-55, ending a three-game losing streak against them in Big East Tournament play.
- Providence will face No. 2-seed Villanova in the Quarterfinals on March 7 at Mohegan Sun Arena.
The Battle of the Friars
It’s been a while since Providence College women’s basketball last tasted victory over DePaul, and their hard-fought win on Friday night was more than just sweet. It was the end of a 3-game losing streak in Big East Tournament play that had the coaching staff and fans alike scratching their heads.
And let’s be clear: this game wasn’t about flashy shots or dazzling plays, but rather about relentless effort and unwavering determination from both sides. Yet, when it mattered most, Sabou Gueye stepped up in a big way, scoring 31 points on an impressive 15-26 shooting performance.
She even added seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals to her career-high tally.
But the Friars wouldn’t have won without Teneisia Brown’s stellar play as well. Her 14 points and 14 rebounds put her at a double-double for the fourth time this season, underlining her importance to the team. Her layup at the end of DePaul’s scoring run was a turning point, leading into an 11-point stretch that secured Providence’s lead.
A Fight for Every Point
The first quarter was as close as it gets with both teams tied at 18-18 when Princess Moody hit the game-winning floater. But DePaul wasn’t going down without a fight, launching an 8-point run in 40 seconds to take a commanding lead. It’s a testament to Providence’s resilience that they managed to claw back and outscore the Blue Demons 18-13 in the second half.
The third quarter saw Providence really turn up their game with a 7-0 run, followed by an 8-1 stretch over the final three minutes. This put them firmly ahead at halftime, 55-39, and they cruised to victory in the fourth.
Looking Forward
The real test comes next when Providence faces No. 2-seed Villanova on March 7. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and with both teams hungry for a win, it promises to be an exciting match. It’s going to be an uphill battle, but the momentum from this victory might just give the Friars the edge they need.
You might think this is new, but… it’s not always easy to break through old habits in big games.
But for Providence, this was a step forward in their journey. Here’s hoping they can continue to build on this success and make a deep run in the tournament.