Tiger Defense grinds out 20th win

In a highly anticipated top-20 matchup featuring two teams with contrasting styles of play, it was #11 Georgetown that adapted the best. The Tigers took on the challenge of a grinding, slower-paced game and shut down #20 Freed-Hardeman in a 60-46 win. The victory was #20 on the season for the Tigers and gives GC a leg-up for the second seed in the Mid-South Conference Tournament with 4 games to go.

Callie Jackson got Georgetown on the board early, setting the stage for a strong night from the junior forward. After free throws from Izzy Lamparty, Georgetown took an 8-7 lead with 7:21 to go in the 1st. Defense then took over as the game went scoreless for nearly 3 minutes after, until FHU's Rachel Satterly scored inside to give the Lions a slight lead. Erin Toller countered with a long 3 off a Trinity Klock offensive rebound to push GC back ahead. The duo of Jackson and Klock followed with scores and forced FHU into a timeout with Georgetown leading 15-10 with 3:27 left in the quarter. The lead reached 9 after a Toller 3 and Teionni McDaniel free throw. The Lions countered with a 3 of their own and Georgetown took a 19-13 lead to the 2nd.

The 2nd quarter was all about both teams' inability to score the ball. Georgetown's defense forced 8 Lion turnovers and held FHU to just 4-12 shooting and 10 points. The issue for Georgetown was an even greater struggle to score. Georgetown only turned the ball over one time but missed 12 of 14 shots from the field and all 6 attempts from 3. The Tigers mustered just 7 points in the 2nd and led 26-23 at the halftime break.

The defensive track of the game continued into the 3rd. The Tigers and Lions combined for a 6-21 effort from the field and 1-6 from downtown. Free throws helped the scoring along as both teams reached the line 10 times. The 3rd was where Callie Jackson made her biggest impact. She tallied 10 of Georgetown's 15 points, while grabbing 4 boards and recording a steal. Her efforts allowed Georgetown to take a 41-34 lead to the 4th quarter.

Jackson's efforts in the 3rd gave way to a strong 4th from Ellie Wilkerson. She played the entire quarter, scoring 11 of Georgetown's 19 points, while shooting 5-8 from the field. Her efforts combined with stellar defense prevented FHU from ever getting closer than 7 points the rest of the game in Georgetown's 14-point win.

Erin Toller led Georgetown in scoring with 16. She also added 4 steals. Callie Jackson finished the day with 14 points, 10 rebounds (6 offensive), 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Despite a tough shooting night, Georgetown grabbed 15 offensive rebounds, leading to 17 2nd chance points. The Tigers also took care of the ball with just 5 turnovers and enjoyed a +10 advantage in points off turnovers (13-3).

Georgetown goes for the home weekend sweep on Saturday against Bethel. Tip time is set for 1:00pm at Davis-Reid Alumni Gym.