FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason women's basketball team earned their fourth-straight win at home on Thursday night behind a strong defensive effort across the court, downing East Carolina, 54-41.
Seniors
Jazmyn Doster and
Sonia Smith posted double-digit scoring performances, knocking down 17 and 13 points, respectively. Doster also led Mason with seven rebounds and two blocks while tacking on a steal.
It was all Mason from the start, as it jumped out to an 8-0 lead that they never gave up. Mason limited the Pirates (5-3) to 1-10 shooting from the field in the first quarter, forced four turnovers and outrebounded ECU 15-6 to lead by 10 after the first stanza.
East Carolina was able to get some offense going in quarter two, scoring 10 points in the paint with second chances from five offensive rebounds. The Patriots (4-5) matched that output and went into halftime with a 29-19 lead.
The Patriots knocked down seven shots in quarter three while limiting the Pirates to 33% from the field. Mason capitalized off of six East Carolina turnovers to score nine points as it extended its lead to as many as 17 at the end of the third.
The Pirates pressed Mason throughout the fourth, forcing nine turnovers and allowing just seven points. However, the Patriots' defense carried them through, limiting ECU to 22% shooting and 0-5 three-point shots to close out the game.
PATRIOT POINTS
- Mason limited East Carolina to 0-11 from beyond the arc, the first time this season the opposition has not scored a three.
- Smith led all players with three assists to go along with six rebounds and her 13 points.
- Freshman Nekhu Mitchell also registered seven rebounds. She is averaging seven per game over the last three games.
- Junior Taylor Jameson and sophomore Paula Suarez contributed offensively as well, combining for 14 points, three assists and three rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Patriots will have a day of rest before welcoming DMV rival American to EagleBank Arena on Saturday, Dec. 3 for a 5:30 p.m. tip.
