Tigers roar past Firehawks into MSC Quarterfinals

Survive and advance is the name of the game in postseason play. Georgetown survived an overall off-shooting night thanks to a suffocating defense to knock off UT-Southern, 66-40, to advance to the quarterfinal round of the Mid-South Conference Tournament.

The first quarter proved to be the best of the night for the Tigers offense. Georgetown shot 53% and 5-8 from 3-point range in racing out to a 23-11 lead after 1. They also accumulated 8 assists on 9 made baskets from 6 different Tigers. The defense held UT-Southern to 5 made baskets and 5 turnovers.

Quarter 2 was tough for the Tigers as they turned to the 3-point shot to break the game open, but the range wasn't there. GC missed all 11 of its attempts from downtown and shot just 5-20 overall in the quarter, despite 8 offensive rebounds. THe defense held things together as the Tigers again limited the Firehawks to the same number of baskets as turnovers (4). Georgetown took a 35-21 lead to halftime.

The Tigers got back on track in the 3rd, shooting 56% with 7 assists on 9 baskets. UT-Southern scored just 11 points in the quarter, matching its highest point total in any quarter on the night. The Tigers led 56-32 heading to the 4th. In the 4th, the teams combined for just 7 made baskets as fatigue set in on a warm night inside Davis-Reid Alumni Gym. UT-Southern shot just 3-17 and failed to reach double digits.

Georgetown dominated all facets of the opening round game, outrebounding UT-Southern, 50-21, while forcing 18 turnovers, and never trailing in the game.

Erin Toller struggled from the field but led a balanced Tigers scoring night with 13 points. Izzy Lamparty added 12, and Callie Jackson scored 11 points and grabbed 8 rebounds off the bench. Madison Darnell finished with 9 points and 8 rebounds, giving her 991 career rebounds. Sophie Smith, Erin Toller, Madison Darnell, and Lisa Suljemani all ended with 4 assists each.

Georgetown will take on Pikeville in the Mid-South Conference Quarterfinals on Friday night at 8:30pm ET in Bowling Green, KY.