Women's Basketball | 12/19/2017 4:01:00 PM

WHAT: Mason at Houston
WHEN: 8 p.m., Thursday
WHERE: H&PE Arena, Houston, Texas
SERIES: First meeting
RECORDS: Mason (10-2, 0-0 Atlantic 10); Houston (9-3, 0-0 American Athletic)
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FAIRFAX, Va. – Coming off its longest layoff of the season, the George Mason women's basketball team hits the road in hopes of keeping its hot start rolling.

The Patriots play Houston at 8 p.m. (EST) on Thursday at H&PE Arena in Houston. The teams will play on the campus of Texas Southern as Houston's home arena is currently being renovated this year.

By the time they tip off, the Patriots will have last played 10 days ago on Dec. 11. At 10-2, Mason is off to its best start in 30 years. The 1987-88 squad also started off 10-2 en route to a 21-win season. This year's team has also won 10 non-conference games – their most in 27 years.

The Patriots have won four straight and 10 of 11. They're led by graduate student Natalie Butler (17.9 points per game) and freshman Nicole Cardaño-Hillary (17.8 ppg). They rank second and third, respectively, in the Atlantic 10 in scoring. Butler also is tied for the most double-doubles in the country with 11 and ranks second in the nation with 13.7 rebounds a game.

Houston (9-3) also is off to a strong start. The Cougars have won seven of eight, with the lone loss in that stretch coming against women's basketball power Rutgers. Houston also has losses to No. 19 Texas A&M and Boston College (both on the road).

The Cougars are undefeated at home this season, winning all three contests at H&PE Arena. They have four players averaging double figures in points. They are led by sophomore Jasmyne Harris (18.3 ppg). Junior Serithia Hawkins leads the team with 8.3 rebounds a game. The Mason and Houston women's basketball teams have never met on the hardwood.