LOS ANGELES — In a remarkable display of talent, Maggie Doogan powered eighth-seeded Richmond to a decisive 74-49 victory over ninth-seeded Georgia Tech on Friday night, marking the Spiders’ first triumph in the women’s NCAA Tournament. The game unfolded at Pauley Pavilion, far from Richmond’s home base.
Doogan’s performance was pivotal, as she tallied a commanding 30 points, seized 15 rebounds, and provided six assists. Richmond’s impressive outing also saw Addie Budnik contribute 14 points to their 28-6 season record. This victory was a significant milestone for Richmond, breaking a four-year streak of winless March Madness appearances.
The Atlantic 10 player of the year, Doogan, set the stage with an incredible 18-point first half, propelling Richmond to a 20-point advantage. The Spiders maintained control of the game throughout, confidently holding their lead over Georgia Tech. Reflecting on the game, Doogan expressed her excitement, noting, “It’s what you just dream of,” especially with her family present to witness her achievement.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Richmond is set to face top-seeded UCLA, the Big Ten champion, which recently eliminated Southern with a score of 84-46 in the First Four. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech’s season ended with Tonie Morgan leading the team with 12 points, amidst a six-loss finish in their last seven outings.
For the Spiders, this victory represents years of growth under coach Aaron Roussell, who has led them to 57 wins in the past two seasons. Despite falling to Duke in last year’s first round, Richmond can now cherish their legacy moment provided by this victory. “That group in that locker room is going to remember this for the rest of their life,” remarked Roussell, highlighting the significance of their achievement.
Richmond’s journey this season included overcoming several nonconference setbacks in December, followed by a remarkable 17-game winning streak that secured the A10’s regular-season title. Although their streak ended at the conference tournament semifinals to Saint Joseph’s, the team remained resilient, fueled by Doogan’s leadership.
Georgia Tech, under the guidance of experienced coach Nell Fortner, made its third NCAA Tournament appearance in five years. Despite their season ending with several losses, Fortner acknowledged the night’s difficulties, stating, “It was just a tough night for us,” while emphasizing the need to learn and move forward.
Doogan’s scoring surge began with three consecutive 3-pointers during a 13-2 run in the first quarter. The Spiders continued their dominance into the second quarter, opening with an 11-point streak to extend their lead to 30-10.
Key takeaways highlight Georgia Tech’s admirable progression over recent years, despite a late-season slump. For Richmond, Doogan’s consistent performance in crucial games remains a major asset, providing the Spiders with viable chances in competitive settings.
Statistically, Doogan overcame a shaky start by converting 10 of her last 13 attempts, including five successful 3-pointers, showcasing her critical role in Richmond’s historic win.