The George Mason women's basketball team dropped a 68-94 decision to George Washington University Saturday night at the Patriot Center.
The Patriots led throughout much of the first half and outrebounded the Colonials 22-21 in the first 20 minutes of play. However, foul trouble would limit minutes for fifth-year senior Janaa Pickard and junior Sandra Ngoie and allow GW to come back and take a 48-41 lead into the break.
“I thought we played a very good first half,” head coach Nyla Milleson said. “I thought our effort was good the entire game, though we got away from the game plan a little bit.”
Mason outscored GW in the paint 14-12 in the second half, but more Patriot foul trouble sent the Colonials to the stripe 29 times in the second half. GW would end the game 28-39 from the foul line going 20-29 in the second half. Mason shot 84.6% from the line, going 11-13 one the game and 4-5 in the second half.
“We lost our discipline a little early in the second half,” Milleson said. “They were in the bonus before the first media timeout. You can't send a team like that to the free throw line 39 times, they're too good in other places.”
This was the second time Mason faced GW this season, and while the results were similar, Milleson saw improvements.
“We did some good things,” Milleson said. “We only gave up 12 offensive rebounds compared to 22 in the last game [against GW]. There were also some good individual efforts.”
One such individual was senior Kyana Jacobs who contributed nine points and career high four steals and forced several other turnovers throughout the game.
“Kyana is giving us all that she has,” Milleson said. “There were a few places we needed her to be more disciplined but her effort was unbelievable.”
Redshirt sophomore Taylor Brown did her part as well as she led the Patriots in scoring with 21 points, she did her best to step-up post game as well.
“After the game I just told my teammates 'don't give up,'” Brown said. “We're not the type of kids go give up, we're going to keep fighting I have faith in my team.”
Mason has a bye week before heading Richmond to take on VCU Sat., Jan 25th at 2:00 P.M.
