With the season on the line, the Patriots fought back from an early 18-2 deficit to beat UMass 85-75 in overtime in Wednesday's Opening Round game at the Atlantic 10 tournament in Richmond, Va.
“A really slow start, but this team has shown nothing by perseverance all season long,” head coach Nyla Milleson said. “I've just been extremely proud of how we've come to practice every day. We've been in a lot of close games this season and they haven't gone our way. I think today, we showed a lot of pride and heart. We're glad to see tomorrow.”
Trailing 64-57 with just over seven minutes remaining in regulation, the Patriots took off on a 12-7 run to close the game and force overtime.
Mason outscored the Minutewomen 16-6 in OT to secure the victory behind career nights from sophomore Taylor Brown and senior Kyana Jacobs who both had career-highs in points. Brown missed the all-time tournament record of 36 by just one point, with 35 on the night. Jacobs registered her first career double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Playing in close games is nothing new to the Patriots who have played in seven games decided by three points or less, but are just 2-5 in such games. Milleson noted how that expierence came in handy Wednesday night.
“We stuck together, we did what we had to do to win,” Milleson said.
“We had a lot of faith,” Brown said. “Going through all the adversity that we have with close games, we really just trusted each other and never gave up.”
Next up, the Patriots will take of fifth seeded Saint Joesph's at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow. When they team's faced off on Feb. 15th, Mason fell 89-75 at home.
