Mason Women Top ODU in Historic Win

By Broadside Sports Editor Brian Chan

The 45th time is a charm.

Last Sunday, the George Mason University women’s basketball team pulled off a historical upset as the Patriots defeated the Old Dominion University Monarchs, the CAA champion of the past 17 seasons, 63-57 for the first time in school history.

After leading by as many as 12 points in the second half, the Patriots (4-22, 2-13) prevented the Monarchs (14-11, 9-6) from completing their comeback after Mason’s lead was cut to two points with five minutes left in regulation. The Patriots were clutch down the stretch, scoring their last 13 points off free throws.

Sophomore guard Brittany Eley recorded her first ever double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Despite shooting just 4-of-14 from the field, she made 7-of-8 free throws.

The Patriots led 28-20 with four minutes left, but the Monarchs responded with a 10-2 run as both teams went into the half tied at 30.

Junior guard Rashauna Hobbs hit a 3-pointer as Mason jumped out to a 12-point lead five-and-a-half minutes into the second half. Freshman guard Amber Epps kept Mason up 49-37 after scoring a jumper. However, the Monarchs did not back down as they closed the gap to 52-50 with nearly five minutes left in the game after forward Shadasia Green hit two of her nine points.

Despite hitting only one shot afterward, the Patriots switched to conservative mode and held on in the closing seconds.

Sophomore Brittany Poindexter scored 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, and senior forward Brittney Wilkins added 12 points and nine rebounds for the Patriots.

Forward Jessica Canady led the Monarchs with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

The Patriots overcame their 18 turnovers, 11 of which came from steals.

Despite their mediocrity on offense, the Patriots were able to slow down the Monarchs defensively. In their last meeting in Norfolk earlier this year, the Monarchs eased to a 73-42 victory over the Patriots. The Monarchs shot just 35 percent last Sunday as opposed to shooting 42 percent in their earlier matchup.

The two schools first met on January 17, 1975 when the Monarchs walked over the Patriots 83-20. Since then, there have been three games that went into overtime and the closest the Patriots ever came to was four points. After 44 losses in the series, the Patriots finally have one to remember in what has been a frustrating 2009 season.

Sunday’s win also marks a firsthand experience for three seniors as they look to close out their collegiate careers on a high note.

Even though the team recorded the most losses in school history this season, the win provides great significance as a feat that had never been accomplished before by 177 former Patriots. The 34-year drought is over, but it is a new day for Mason women’s basketball.