Gaffney, Musketeers Top Hoyas in BIG EAST Opener

Tuesday, December 29

Cincinnati, Ohio

7 P.M.

Xavier University

10-2, 1-0

Georgetown University

7-4, 0-1

Georgetown

Xavier

Gaffney, Musketeers Top Hoyas in BIG EAST Opener

12.29.15 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Junior guard posted 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists

By: Greg Lautzenheiser, Xavier Athletic Communications

CINCINNATI - Junior Raeshaun Gaffney had a game-high 19 points and eight rebounds on Tuesday night as the Musketeers topped Georgetown, 59-54, in their BIG EAST opener.

Xavier moved to 10-2 (1-0 BIG EAST) on the year, while the Hoyas dropped to 7-4 (0-1 BIG EAST). The Musketeers have now won four straight in series, improving to 6-2 all-time against the Hoyas.

Gaffney was 8-for-13 from the floor and 2-for-2 from behind the arc as the Musketeers finished the game hitting 50 percent (6-for-12) of their three pointers. The guard added five assists in the win.

Briana Glover was the only other Musketeer in double figures with 11 point on 4-for-9 shooting. The senior forward also had five rebounds. Maddison Blackwell scored four points and matched Gaffney's team-high five assists.

Trailing 53-52 with 3:44 left in regulation, the Musketeers closed the game on a 7-1 run to seal the victory. Defensively, Xavier held Georgetown to 0-for-3 shooting during the span and forced one turnover.

The Hoyas led by as many as four, 14-10, late in the first quarter before the Musketeers ended the period on a 6-0 run to make the score 16-14. Xavier outscored the Hoyas, 17-13, in the second quarter to take its largest lead of half, 33-27, into the locker room.

Gaffney led all scorers at the break with nine points, while Glover added six. Gaffney also paced XU on the glass with three rebounds, but the Hoyas held a 21-13 rebounding advantage at the half.

Xavier hit its opening basket of the second half and had its largest lead of the game, 48-38, with 58 seconds left in the third quarter on an Anniina Äijänen three pointer. The Hoyas hit back-to-back baskets to get within five, 48-43, at the end of the period.

Georgetown held a 40-30 advantage on the glass, led by Tyshell King who had eight rebounds. The Hoyas also had one more steal (10-9) than the Musketeers.

The Musketeers forced 18 turnovers, turning the miscues into 16 points. Xavier also had 18 assists on the night - the second most in a game this season.

Dionna White led the Hoyas with 11 points and five assists. Logan Battle added nine points on 4-for-6 shooting.

Xavier returns to action on Thursday, Dec. 31 against Villanova. Tip-off is slated for 1:30 p.m. from Cintas Center.