Rhode Island URI 17-3,8-0 Atlantic 10

George Mason GMU 10-11,3-5 Atlantic 10

Rhode Island URI

17-3,8-0 Atlantic 10

Final

Jan. 25, 2023

George Mason GMU

10-11,3-5 Atlantic 10

Score By Periods
Team	1	2	3	4	F
Rhode Island URI	10	12	14	21	57
George Mason GMU	11	6	14	22	53

Box Score

Rafael Suanes/George Mason Univ.

Mason Falls to Rhode Island in Thriller

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | 1/25/2023 11:22:00 PM

FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason women's basketball team battled the top team in the conference to the end on Wednesday night, dropping a thrilling game to A-10 undefeated Rhode Island, 57-53.

Senior Nalani Kaysia posted her second double-double in the last three games and her third of the season, contributing 12 points and a game-high 12 rebounds to go along with a steal and a block. She also went 4-4 from the free throw line, her first time this season going 100% from the charity stripe.

The Patriots (10-11, 3-5) forced URI into a season-high 22 turnovers and limited them to their fewest point total in conference play, which was previously 70 in a win over La Salle.

It was all Rhode Island in the first three minutes, jumping out to a 7-0 lead while forcing several Patriot turnovers. Mason then went on an 11-0 run of its' own, beginning with a Taylor Jameson jump shot at the 6:10 mark. Jameson and senior Sonia Smith combined for all 11 points and the Patriots held an 11-10 lead after the first quarter.

The Rams (17-3, 8-0) opened the second quarter on another 7-0 run to pull ahead 17-11. URI locked down on defense and limited Mason to just 13.3% shooting for six points as it led 22-17 at the halftime break.

Rhode Island seemed to be pulling out of reach with six minutes remaining in the third quarter, stretching their lead to 13 on two free throws, but back-to-back layups by the Patriots and a shot clock violation by the Rams cut the lead down to nine at the media timeout. Mason was able to hold URI scoreless for over four minutes and fight back to trail by just five, 36-31, with on quarter remaining.

Mason slowly fought back in the fourth, tying the game at 50 with 1:47 remaining in the game on two Kaysia free throws, but URI took advantage of their own free throws, hitting five-straight to push the lead back to five. Kaysia hit two more shots from the charity stripe, but several three-point opportunities for the Patriots would not fall and Rhode Island survived the late push from Mason.

PATRIOT POINTS

Kaysia was joined in double-figure scoring by Sonia Smith (13) and Tamia Lawhorne (11). Lawhorne also pulled down three rebounds and registered a steal and a career-high two blocks.
Sophomore Paula Suárez dished out a career-high six assists, her fourth time this season with five or more. She also contributed four points, two steals and a rebound.
The Patriots scored more points off of turnovers (22-19), points in the paint (28-16) and bench points (15-7).
As a team, Mason knocked down 14-18 free throws for a .778 efficiency, its' highest this season.
The Patriots limited the Rams to their fourth-lowest shooting percentage (.383) of the season, while holding them under 60 points for just the third time.

UP NEXT
The Patriots will remain in Fairfax to host Davidson on Saturday, Jan. 28. Tip-off from EagleBank Arena is set for 3 p.m.

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