BIMINI, Bahamas – The George Mason women's basketball team limited LSU to season-low shooting percentages and point total, but ultimately fell 80-52 after being outscored 48-19 in the first half.
 
Freshman Nekhu Mitchell had an outstanding game under the basket, pulling in a career-high 13 rebounds, more than doubling her previous best. She also tallied six points (tied career-high) and a steal.
 
Offensively, three players scored in double-digits, led by senior Sonia Smith who tied her season-high with 15 points to go along with three rebounds, two assists and a steal.
 
The Tigers (6-0) were shooting hot in the first half, converting on over 65% of their shots to build a 48-19 after the first 20 minutes.
 
Halftime was a turning point for the Patriots (3-4) and junior Taylor Jameson, as she scored 10 points in the third quarter to lead Mason to a game-high 18 in the period. Despite LSU outscoring Mason by five in the quarter, the Patriots brought a new found energy into the fourth.
 
It was all Mason in the final 10 minutes, limiting the Tigers to just nine points, the first time this season that LSU scored single-digits in a quarter. The Mason defense limited LSU to just 23% shooting and Smith and Mitchell led the offense with five points each.
 
PATRIOT POINTS

• It is the fourth-straight game that at least two players scored in double-figures, as junior Taylor Jameson (11 PTS) and senior Tamia Lawhorne (10 PTS) joined Smith.
• Despite a slow start, the Patriots reset at halftime and outscored LSU 33-32 in the second half. 
• Mason notched 16 offensive rebounds compared to LSU's 15. Mitchell pulled in five of those boards for the Patriots.
• Smith and Jameson each tallied two assists and a steal.

 
UP NEXT
The Patriots will have a quick turnaround because of the loss, taking on the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers at 2 p.m. to conclude the Goombay Splash Classic.