By J.J. Pavlick | Uncasville, CT- Mohegan Sun | March 5, 2026
The 2026 Big East Women’s Basketball Tournament tips off Friday morning with a compelling first-round clash between the No. 9 seed Butler Bulldogs and No. 8 seed Georgetown Hoyas at Mohegan Sun Arena. With tip-off set for 11 a.m. ET and a nationally streamed broadcast on Peacock, both programs are looking to extend their seasons and earn a shot at top-seeded UConn in the quarterfinals.
Butler Riding Momentum into Tournament
Butler (12-18, 6-14 Big East) enters postseason play on a three-game winning streak—its longest of the year—following a 62-55 victory over Seton Hall to close the regular season. The Bulldogs have been finding their stride at the perfect time. Sophomore guard Mallory Miller leads the team in scoring (9.4 ppg) and is coming off a 19-point performance, while redshirt sophomore Saniya Jackson has been a force in the paint, averaging 12 points and 11 rebounds over her last two outings. Jackson’s efforts earned her a spot on the Big East Weekly Honor Roll.
Freshman Anna Wypych also enters the tournament on a high, having been named Big East Freshman of the Week after averaging 14.5 points across Butler’s last two wins. The Bulldogs have relied on a deep bench all season, ranking among the nation’s top 100 in bench points per game (22.8), and have forced their opponents into double-digit turnovers in 25 of 30 contests.
“We’re peaking at the right time,” said Butler head coach Austin Parkinson, now in his fourth season at the helm. “Our young players are gaining confidence, and we’re sharing the ball better than ever.”
Georgetown Seeking to Rebound After Close Finale
Georgetown (13-16, 6-14 Big East) looks to bounce back after a narrow 59-54 loss against DePaul in the season finale. The Hoyas, led by junior guard Khia Miller (9.3 ppg), rely on a balanced attack and tenacious defense, having forced 24 turnovers in their last outing. Destiny Agubata has emerged as a key contributor, averaging 8.8 points and a team-best 5.0 rebounds per game, while Indya Davis added 11 points and four steals in the finale.
The Hoyas made headlines earlier this season by snapping a years-long drought against Marquette and setting a new program record with 14 made three-pointers in a single game. The team’s defensive intensity and perimeter shooting could prove decisive in Friday’s matchup.
Series History and Tournament Stakes
Friday marks the 28th meeting between Butler and Georgetown since 2014, with the Bulldogs holding a narrow 14-13 edge in the all-time series. The teams split their regular-season matchups this year, each claiming a road victory, and last met in the Big East Tournament in 2023, when Georgetown advanced with a 53-46 win.
For both teams, a victory means a chance to take on powerhouse UConn—recently crowned with a sweep of the conference’s major individual awards—on Saturday.
Spotlight on Rising Stars and Big East Honors
Butler’s Wypych and Jackson have earned conference recognition for their late-season surges, exemplifying the Bulldogs’ youth movement, while Georgetown will honor Hoya legend Katie (Smrcka-Duffy) Fudd as part of the Big East’s annual legends celebration.
Keys to the Game
The outcome could hinge on which team best handles defensive pressure and takes care of the basketball. Butler has thrived by forcing turnovers and getting production from up and down the roster, while Georgetown’s ability to hit from deep and disrupt passing lanes could swing the momentum their way.
With both teams evenly matched and plenty on the line, Friday’s opener promises to deliver the drama and intensity that have come to define March basketball. The winner will earn a date with the No. 1 Huskies, while the loser sees their season come to a close.
Fans can catch all the action live on Peacock or track stats at GUHoyas.com and Butlersports.com.
Bad Dawg Sports: Real reporting – Real access – No nonsense
March doesn’t care about records — it cares about who can handle the moment. Butler brings real momentum, a deep bench, and young players surging at the right time. Georgetown brings pressure, perimeter punch, and the kind of defensive edge that can turn an 11 a.m. tip into a 40-minute grind. One team gets a date with UConn. The other goes home. Want every boom and echo? Don’t miss our upcoming coverage — where we break down every ripple, every shockwave, and what it means for the tournament ahead.
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