Women's hoops downs rival George Washington, 58-55

The Lady Patriots got back on track Thursday afternoon by taking down cross-town rival George Washington in a game that came down to the final seconds. (John Powell).

The George Mason women’s squad (7-3,1-0) got back to their winning ways Thursday afternoon as they defeated George Washington (5-6) 58- 55 in the Patriot Center. In a matchup known by many as the “Battle of the Orange Line,” Mason proved they can win late in games, and they improved their all time series record to 7-2 at home against the Colonials.

Early full-court pressing by George Washington combined with their speed was more than Mason could handle. Guards Rahneeka Saunders and Taleia Moton had trouble all afternoon getting the ball past half-court. A steal from the Colonials’ Chakecia Miller seven minutes into the first half forced Mason head coach Jeri Porter to call a time out. Miller, a freshman showed the potential of this young GW team as she combined for a double-double with 20 points and 10 steals.

The sluggish attitude of the Patriots was easily visible, as they seemed out of breath for most of the first 15 minutes, but an old-fashioned three-point play by Taleia Moton breathed life back into the team. A six-point burst by Saunders helped push the Mason lead to double figures. A Janaa Pickard jumper from the corner gave Mason all they needed to hold a 31-21 lead at the half.

“We came into this game with high expectations, to be 7-3 was one of our goals,” Pickard said.

To start the second half, Mason remained the aggressor, as they were never counted out on any possession as they dominated the offensive glass. Three put-backs by Lewis on one play put her at the line with nine minutes to go and a five-point lead. The Patriots would finish the game with an outstanding 21 offensivive rebounds to go along with 18 second-chance opportunities.

George Washington, though outplayed for most of the game, refused to give in down the stretch. A Megan Nipe three-pointer from deep mid court put the score at 48-45. The Colonials would push Mason for every inch of the floor, as they went on an 11-3 run.

Miller picked off Saunders for a breakaway layup that would have tied the game, but she missed and Mason trotted back down the floor with a chance to ice the game with two free-throws. But a miss by Saunders gave George Washington another chance with nine seconds to go.

“Coach Porter told me to guard her [Danni Jackson], she said play defense but let them take the shot.  Just keep your hands up,” said Pickard on defending the last shot.

Jackson’s shot missed hitting the far iron and Mason prevailed victorious. Pickard continued her solid play cashing in with a double-double, 11 points to go along with 11 rebounds. The Patriots will now hit the road for a three game swing. Their next contest will be December 29 at Ohio University.