Women's Basketball Downed at Georgetown

Washington, D.C. - Despite finishing the first half with an 11-6 run to trail by two at halftime, the Fordham women's basketball team struggled to score in the second half and was outscored, 26-10, to fall, 58-38, at Georgetown on Thursday night, the final game of a four-game road swing over the past six days. With the loss, the Rams fall to 4-4 on the year, while the Hoyas improve to 5-3 overall. "We played well in spurts but you can't beat teams like Georgetown on the road unless we are focused for 40 minutes," Head coach Stephanie Gaitleysaid, "We have to use this as a learning experience and get ready for Saturday's Battle of the Bronx!" Fordham's lone lead came late in the first quarter, using a 7-0 run on baskets from Bre Cavanaugh and Kendell Heremaia to take a brief 14-13 lead. The Hoyas regained the lead for good shortly after through a Dorothy Adomako jumper and finished the period with a Mikayla Venson three-pointer in the final seconds. Georgetown continued to build up its advantage, leading by as much as 12, 31-19, with 3:38 to go in the half, but the Rams closed out on a 9-1 run to get within four, 32-28, at the interval. The Rams struggled after halftime, however, hitting just 4-of-27 shots (14.8%) with no free throws and seven turnovers. Fordham's defense kept the Hoyas to just 10 points in the third quarter, keeping the deficit in the single digits, 42-33, heading to the final frame, but the floodgates opened in the fourth with the hosts converting 7-of-13 opportunities to pull away. Bre Cavanaugh led the Rams with 10 points, followed by Zara Jillings and Lauren Holden, each with eight points. Cavanaugh added seven rebounds, two assists, and a steal over all 40 minutes. Jillings, in her first start of the season, posted an all-around line of eight points, a team-high eight rebounds, three assists, and a steal while playing all 40 minutes, as well. Kaitlyn Downey chipped in seven boards with her two points, Megan Jonassen posted five boards and four points off the bench, and Catherine Polisano knocked down her first basket as a Ram late in the game. Georgetown outshot the Rams, 39.6% to 26.4%, with both teams shooting under 30% from deep range; the Hoyas converted 29.4% of their long-range efforts to the Rams' 20.8%. Fordham was outrebounded for just the third time this year, 40-33, and held to a season-low five offensive rebounds. The Rams' 13 turnovers are also tied for second-most on the year. Fordham has a quick turnaround before Saturday's home game against Manhattan at 2 p.m., the 50th Battle of the Bronx. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.