FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason women's basketball team put forth an extraordinary effort on Friday night in EagleBank Arena but it wasn't quite enough to capture victory, as the Patriots fell to VCU, 64-56, in overtime.
Freshman
Taylor Jameson tied the game at 53-53 with six seconds remaining in regulation. Mason's defense held strong on VCU's ensuing possession to send the game to overtime.
In the extra period, the Patriots scored just three points as the Rams survived.
Redshirt freshman
Rachel Balzer finished with career highs in points (17), field goals made (6) and three-point field goals made (5). She also added three rebounds and two assists.
Jameson scored a career-high 12 points on 4-of-10 shooting. She grabbed a career-high six rebounds and dished out three assists.
Graduate student
Daijah Jefferson was the third Patriot to finish in double figures. She recorded 10 points and seven rebounds. The veteran scored six points in the fourth quarter to will Mason to overtime.
46 of Mason's 56 points were scored by underclassmen – Balzer (17), Jameson (12),
Jordan Wakefield (8),
Jazmyn Doster (6) and
Vanessa Laumbach (3).
Mason shot 31.7 percent from the floor (20-63) and made nine three-pointers (.273). VCU finished 35.3 percent from the floor (24-68) and 30.4 percent from deep (7-23).
The Patriots put together one of their strongest first quarter outings this season, scoring 18 points in the opening frame. Mason shot 41.2 percent from the floor while Balzer was 3-for-3 from deep.
VCU used a 10-0 run to lead 24-18 at the second quarter media timeout. Mason responded with seven straight points to trail by two heading into the break (28-26).
Mason's freshman class scored all nine points for the Green & Gold in the third quarter – Jameson (4), Laumbach (3) and Balzer (2). The Patriots forced seven turnovers and cut the deficit to three with one quarter remaining (38-35).
Mason used a 6-3 run to tie up the game with 7:31 on the clock (41-41). A Jameson three-pointer and Wakefield bucket pulled Mason within one with 1:16 left (51-50). After each team exchanged layups, Mason's defense came up with a stop with 11 seconds remaining.
Mason's final play call went to Jameson. She was fouled on a drive to the basket and went 1-of-2 from the line to tie the game, 53 all. Mason's defense held strong on VCU's ensuing possession to force overtime. In the extra period, VCU outscored Mason 11-3 to pull away with the victory (64-56).
Up next, Mason will host Richmond on Sunday for Sue Collins National Girls & Women in Sports Day.
