George Mason is NCAA bound! That is the first time in program history that this sentence was able to be written. Five words allowing the Patriot faithful to rejoice and revel. George Mason defeated Saint Joseph’s 73-58 in the championship game of the A10 Women’s Tournament. Sunday’s game at Henrico Sports and Events Center saw the Patriots improve to 27-5 (14-4) while Saint Joseph’s dropped to 23-9 (12-6). Numbers and recap…
Possessions: 61
Offensive Efficiency: GMU 122, St. Joe’s 94
Four Factors:
eFG Pct.- GMU 56, St. Joe’s 38
FT Rate- GMU 28, St. Joe’s 20
OREB Pct.- St. Joe’s 41, GMU 37
TO Rate- GMU 13, St. Joe’s 13
The score was tied at 27 following a first two periods where the respective teams traded leads. For Saint Joseph’s Laura Ziegler was a warrior- effective inside despite drawing double teams on several occasions. Following intermission the Patriots were able to get separation by virtue of a 90% (10 of 11) field goal performance in the third period. The George Mason lead was 14 points entering the final period. “Credit to George Mason and coach Vanessa (Blair-Lewis),” Saint Joseph’s coach Cindy Griffin said. “Their kids came out and shot the ball well in a really timely manner.”
Entering the final period, Vanessa Blair-Lewis’ Patriots remained in attack mode rather than play conservative and milk the clock. The Patriots increased the margin to 19 points with just under eight minutes to play. Saint Joseph’s was not finished. Griffin’s group made a 15-4 run to narrow the deficit to two possessions with just over a minute remaining. This was a crucial juncture given the Hawks’ propensity for showing resilience and making comebacks two consecutive days.
George Mason, facing the challenge, stepped up with a 9-0 run of their own, closing out a first A10 Tournament title and trip to the ‘Big Dance’.
“We didn’t lose to Saint Joseph’s both times because we didn’t have the talent to win,” Blair-Lewis commented. “We lost because we were outworked. And so today was about being faithful for 40 (minutes).”
George Mason’s Paula Suarez scored a game-high 23 points. The senior guard’s value went beyond putting points on the board. Suarez added six rebounds, six assists against only two turnovers in 36 minutes of action. In addition she showed leadership and kept the Patriots composed on the floor when the game was starting to go in Saint Joseph’s favor in that final period.
“It;s just really exciting seeing where the program was and how quick it had changed over the past few years.” Suarez said. “It’s just really exciting seeing where we are right now.”
George Mason had four players in double-figures. Joining Suarez were Zahirah Watson with 19 and Nalani Kaysia and Kennedsy Harris, both with 11 points. Saint Joseph’s was paced by Mackenzie Smith with 19 points while Laura Ziegler added 18 and Tayla Brugler 10.
All-Championship Team:
Nalani Kaysia, George Mason
Paula Suarez, George Mason
Zahirah Watson, George Mason (Most Outstanding Player)
Mackenzie Smith, Saint Joseph’s
Laura Ziegler, Saint Joseph’s
