Nov. 5, 2007

Box Score

FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason women's basketball team overcame a seven-point deficit in the second half and was able to hold off Wilmington University, 64-62, in exhibition action on Monday evening at the Patriot Center.

The Patriots were led by sophomore guard Rashauna Hobbs, who scored 17 points, including a game-high four three-pointers, to pace the Mason offense. Joining Hobbs in double figures was senior forward Moni Akintunde, who chipped in 13. The Wildcat offense was led by Amelia Simmons, who recorded 18 points along with a game-high nine rebounds.

Mason, despite being out-shot by a 54.8-to-41.1 percent margin, used a 7-2 run in the middle stages of the second half to close the gap, culminating with Akintunde's layup to knot the game at 48. The Patriots jumped out to a lead as large as four following that, but the Wildcats were able to tie the game up at 59-59 with just over a minute remaining. Five unanswered free throws by the Patriots within 59 seconds allowed Mason to seal the victory, as the three-pointer by Nordia Henry at the buzzer was not enough.

Five Patriots made their debut in the Green and Gold on the evening, led by freshman Brittany Poindexter's seven points and seven rebounds in her first collegiate action.

Mason officially opens the 2007-08 regular season this weekend when it faces the #9/10 Georgia Lady Bulldogs in Athens. Tip-off is set for 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.