Providence Advances Behind Historic Night From Sabou Gueye

By J.J. Pavlick | Uncasville, CT | March 6, 2026

DePaul Strikes First, Testing Providence Early

Midway through Friday’s Big East first‑round matchup at Mohegan Sun Arena, it briefly looked as though DePaul might finally rewrite its postseason narrative. The tenth‑seeded Blue Demons had seized a 30–23 lead behind back‑to‑back Ally Timm three‑pointers, and Providence appeared to be searching for answers.

Gueye’s Scoring Surge Flips the Game

Then Sabou Gueye took over—and with her, the Friars’ season roared back to life.

The graduate guard delivered one of the most dominant individual performances in recent Providence history, erupting for 31 points on 15‑of‑26 shooting, along with seven rebounds and three assists. Her scoring outburst was the program’s most in Big East tournament play since Sarah Williams’ 33 in 2008, instantly cementing the game as a Friars classic. After one of her signature drives through traffic, Gueye turned toward the Friars’ section and pumped her fist, drawing a roar that seemed to lift the entire roster.

Her surge fueled an 11–0 run late in the second quarter, flipping a seven‑point deficit into a lead Providence would never relinquish. From that moment on, DePaul’s offense sputtered, and Providence’s defense—anchored by graduate forward Tenesia Brown (14 points, 14 rebounds)—tightened its grip.

Providence entered halftime up 36–31, shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 4‑of‑6 from three. Gueye had 17 at the break, while sophomore guard Orlagh Gormley (13 points, seven assists) orchestrated the offense with poise and precision.

Gormleys’ Steady Hand Closes the Door

The Friars dominated the third quarter, breaking DePaul’s rhythm with ball pressure and relentless rebounding. Brown controlled the interior, and Nalani Kaysia added nine rebounds and four points off the bench. Providence stretched the lead to 22.

The Friars owned the paint, outscoring DePaul 48–32 inside and winning the rebounding battle 41–38. Their high‑low action and quick post entries repeatedly punished DePaul’s undersized frontcourt, creating easy looks for Brown and Gueye. Defensively, Providence forced 16 turnovers, converting them into 16 points.

Every time DePaul threatened, Providence answered—either with a stop, a drive, or a post touch that reasserted control.

For DePaul, Kate Novik led with 13 points, while Michelle Ojo (10 points, five rebounds) and Natiah Nelson (nine points, four rebounds) provided support. But the Blue Demons shot just 33 percent from the field and 5‑of‑18 from three, unable to keep pace with Providence’s interior attack.

The win sends Providence to Saturday’s quarterfinals against No. 2 seed Villanova, which swept the Friars during the regular season. The Wildcats boast the league’s stingiest defense, allowing just 58 points per game, and both prior meetings were decided in the final minutes.

But with Gueye playing the best basketball of her career, Brown controlling the glass, and Gormley steering the offense, Providence enters the matchup with genuine belief.

Stat Leaders

Providence

• Sabou Gueye: 31 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast
• Tenesia Brown: 14 pts, 14 reb
• Orlagh Gormley: 13 pts, 7 ast

DePaul

• Kate Novik: 13 pts
• Michelle Ojo: 10 pts, 5 reb
• Natiah Nelson: 9 pts, 4 reb

Team Stats

• Providence: 48.5% FG, 41 rebounds, 48 points in the paint
• DePaul: 32.8% FG, 38 rebounds, 18 offensive boards

Next Up

Providence vs. No. 2 Villanova — Saturday, 7 p.m. ET With a spot in the Big East semifinals is on the line.