Feb. 9, 2010

Game Notes

WASHINGTON - The No. 16/13 Georgetown University women's basketball squad will travel to the University of Pittsburgh on Wednesday for a BIG EAST matchup against the Panthers at the Petersen Events Center. The Hoyas are currently 19-3 overall and 8-1 in BIG EAST play to tie for second place in the conference standings.

Georgetown has continued to move up in the national polls after defeating its third ranked opponent of the season last week taking down then-No. 25/25 St. John's, 67-57. The Hoyas are leading the nation in turnover margin (+8.82) and rank second in steals per game with 14.1. Freshman shooting guard Ta'Shauna "Sugar" Rodgers (Suffolk, Va./King's Fork) is ranked 23rd in the country in scoring averaging 19.0 ppg.

Sitting behind Rodgers is junior captain Monica McNutt (Suitland, Md./Academy of the Holy Cross) who is averaging 11.8 ppg and senior Jaleesa Butler (St. Louis, Mo./Alton) averaging 10.3 ppg as well as a squad-best 7.0 rpg. Georgetown is forcing an average of 26.2 opponent turnovers per game and hitting 6.3 three's per game to rank as one of the best in the league.

Pittsburgh is 12-10 overall and 1-8 in BIG EAST play. The Panthers started the season on an eight-game win streak and won 10 of its first 11 games. In conference play, Pittsburgh defeated Providence 72-58 on January 23 and recently fell to Syracuse in overtime, 87-80. The Panthers are led by junior guards Jania Sims and Taneisha Harrison who are averaging 13.5 and 13.0 ppg, respectively.

Georgetown is 19-27 all-time against Pitt, but has lost the last five meetings. The Hoyas' last win was on the road during the 2003-04 season by a score of 72-61. Last year at McDonough Arena, GU fell 50-39 with Karee Houlette leading the way posting 11 points.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Live stats and a webcast will be available at www.GUHoyas.com. Fans will also be able to hear the game on 970 AM in the Pittsburgh area.