(Art Pittman / George Mason Athletics)
Mason wins seven straight games and stays perfect in A-10
BY PETER MAHLER, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
As students settled down during a much-needed winter break, Mason’s women’s basketball team did the opposite.
They turned up the intensity of their play during the holidays, winning seven straight games against conference rivals since an overtime loss to #20 Princeton on Dec. 20.
In that game, 47 combined points by juniors Zahirah Walton, Kennedy Harris and Louis Volker were not enough to outlast the Tigers. Mason lost a 71-69 nail-biter which they trailed by 14 in the third quarter.
Since then, the Patriots have responded by heating up at the right time in crucial games.
Mason edged Saint Joseph’s 66-59 on Jan. 18, denying them a chance at revenge for their loss to Mason in last season’s A-10 championship. It was an efficient outing beyond the arc, with the Patriots making 40% of their attempted three-pointers. Harris led the team with four made threes.
The win boosted the Patriots’ record to a perfect 7-0 against conference opponents, the best start in program history.
A-10 dominance has become the norm for Mason under Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis. She holds an impressive 22-4 record in the conference, a stark contrast from the zero wins in-conference in the 2021 season before her hiring.
Blair-Lewis says that her players understand the standard set by previous Mason squads and recognize that championship-level play is required to win these types of games.
Mason has found different formulas for success. Throughout the streak, Mason has relied on dominant defensive performances, holding each of their opponents to under 45% shooting from the floor.
In closer contests, like the 59-54 win against Loyola Chicago on Jan. 14, the Patriots depended on an efficient night from the free-throw line by Zahirah Walton. The Patriots’ top scorer made 10 of the team’s 14 free throws, pushing them to a hard-fought victory.
(Art Pittman / George Mason Athletics)
Sitting second in the A-10 with a record of 13-6, trailing only Rhode Island, the Patriots have found a way to win despite being the third-worst rebounding team in the conference.
Blair-Lewis, recognizing the work that needs to be done between now and springtime, believes her team is yet to peak.
“We’re not even close right now,” she said following the Loyola Chicago game. “There’s a lot more in our bag … There’s a lot of season left, and there’s still a lot of time for us to peak.”
After defeating St. Bonaventure 57-48 on Wednesday, the Patriots will face Richmond at home on Sunday, Jan. 25, pending any inclement weather.
An eighth straight win would further extend their unbeaten streak versus A-10 opponents. Students can watch the tipoff at 11 a.m through ESPN+. Due to the threat of heavy snow, no fans will be allowed in EagleBank arena. Additional information can be found on GoMason.com.