The women’s basketball team came from behind in the second half against George Mason University Sunday afternoon to secure its 17th win of the season in a 65-56 victory. With an overall record of 17-11 (9-8 CAA), this marks the team’s second-best season in its Division I history. Additionally, this was the Tribe’s first victory over the Patriots on the road in Head Coach Debbie Taylor’s tenure at the College.
p. Junior forward Kyra Kaylor led the Tribe with 26 points and seven rebounds, hitting 15 of her 16 free throws down the stretch. Senior guard Sarah Stroh also added 12 points. The Tribe out-shot George Mason 37 percent to 33 percent from the floor and held a slight 41-39 rebounding advantage.
p. The first half started out slowly as the Patriots only led the Tribe 4-2 at the first timeout. With eight minutes and 27 seconds on the clock, the College held a slight 17-13 advantage after an eight-point run. There was back and forth scoring for the remainder of the half as the lead changed hands several times. At halftime, George Mason possessed a 25-23 advantage.
p. The Tribe implemented a half-court trap and match-up zone defense in the second half to limit Patriot shooting. Freshman Tiffany Benson came up big for the College in the second half, scoring six consecutive points down the stretch. With seven minutes and 40 seconds left on the clock, the score was tied at 44-44. It was then that the Tribe held the Patriots scoreless for five minutes and went on a 10-0 run.
p. Although George Mason fought back, the Tribe played exceptionally well defensively and secured a nine-point victory. With the win, the College is now tied for fifth place in the conference with Virginia Commonwealth University.
p. The Tribe will host its regular season finale Thursday at 7 p.m. at Kaplan Arena against VCU. The game is pivotal for seeding in the upcoming CAA tournament.
p. In their last match-up against VCU, the Tribe fell to the Rams 54-68 in Richmond. The College will have to play solid defense and get the job done on the boards to defeat the Rams.
p. “We had a poor showing during the first half the last time we played VCU,” Taylor said. “As long as we can handle the pressure, and take the ball to the hoop, it will be a good game. There is a lot at stake and we just need to play well.”
