FAIRFAX--The George Mason women's basketball team started off the Nyla Milleson era with a 98-60 win over Division-II Bowie State University in the first exhibition game of the season Sunday at the Patriot Center.

The first half witnessed four ties and nine lead changes before Mason pulled away for good with 10 minutes remaining in the first stanza. Senior Cierra Strickland drew the foul on an acrobatic layup creating an and-one opportunity for the Forestville native.  After a Bowie State technical foul, Strickland would step-up to the free-throw line and give the Patriots the lead making two of three.  

“I think we were a little nervous,” Milleson said. “But we settled down and did some good things.”   

Mason would take a 45-27 lead into the break  On the game, George Mason shot over 49-percent from the field, and sank 36 of 56 from the charity stripe.

The Patriots would have five players in double-digits with Strickland leading the way with 21, while Talisha Watts contributed 11 points and 11 rebounds for the only double-double of the game and sophomore Reana Mohamed gave Mason 13 points off the bench. Redshirt sophomore Taylor Brown would contribute 19 in her Patriot debut.

“I was excited to be out there,” Brown said. “I was just happy I was playing with my team, we played well and I was pleased.”

Next up, the Patriots wrap up pre-season play when they host Hood College at 7 p.m. on Thursday.