Jan. 11, 2008
Mason-Drexel Game Notes (PDF)
The George Mason women's basketball team will open up its most grueling week of play this season on Sunday against Drexel, playing its first of four games in eight days. Mason will look to move above .500 in Colonial Athletic Association play for the first time since the 2004-05 season when it hosts the Dragons, who are seeking their fourth in a row over the Patriots. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. at Patriot Center.
Drexel comes to Fairfax with a 7-6 record, and is undefeated in their two CAA games this season, with wins over Hofstra and Delaware. Winners of six straight games, the Dragons' offense is led by Gabriela Marginean, who is second in the conference with an 18.5 points per game scoring average. Off the glass, Marginean also paces Drexel with 7.2 rebounds per game.
Last time out, senior Moni Akintunde notched her 14th career double-double to lead Mason to its first conference victory of the season, a 60-47 victory at Hofstra on Thursday evening. Mason (7-5, 1-1 CAA) improved to .500 in the conference while notching its first road win of the season, while the Pride dropped to 2-11, 0-2 in the CAA. Akintunde's 12 rebounds were a game high, and chipped in 16 points to nearly match the game's high scorer, senior Lateisha Wade, who poured in 17 points.
Senior Moni Akintunde has been the most potent threat to earn a double-double this season, as the forward from Laurel, Md., earned her first on Thursday with 16 points and 12 rebounds at Hofstra. The feat was the first double-double of the season for Mason, and the 14th of Akintunde's career.
Under head coach Debbie Taneyhill, many times the key to victory has been found in staunch defense. Since Taneyhill took over the Patriots in the 1997-98 season, Mason is 82-23 when holding its opponents under 60 points. This season, Mason is 5-0 when keeping its foe below 60.
Following Sunday's game, Mason plays its final non-conference game of the season on Tuesday, traveling to Big South foe Liberty for a 7 p.m. tip at Vines Center.
