Women's hoops blows by UNC Asheville for fourth win

The Lady Patriots are off to a strong start this season, amassing four wins in just five games, including a dominant 88-59 victory Sunday afternoon against UNC Asheville in the Patriot Center. This photo was taken during their first win of the season against Oakland (John Powell).

In their best outing of the year the George Mason women’s basketball team (4-1) defeated UNC Asheville 88-59 at the Patriot Center Sunday afternoon. This 80-point performance is only the second time Mason has reached the plateau since the 2006 season.

The Patriots dominated play early, using their speed and athleticism to overmatch the Bulldogs. Just eight minutes into the game Mason was out to a 21-9 lead. Then entered Christine Wiethman, and the second-year guard splashed down back-to-back 3-pointers to force a UNC Asheville timeout. She would finish the game tying her career high with four 3-pointers in the game.

While the shooters stalked the perimeter, it was the inside game that began to show its presence.

“We feel our inside-out offense is our best offense,” head coach Jeri Porter said.

A nice put-back by Janna Pickard put Mason up on the scoreboard 36-20. However, a quick transition by UNC Asheville soon after led to devastation for the Patriots as Amber Easter, the standout junior, slipped and fell out of bounds.  She would leave the game and not return.

The second half was all Taleia Moton. Nine minutes into the half Moton had 15 points, and a mean jumper that had the opposition on their heels. Two quick running layups by the guard helped Mason climb to a 66-42 lead. 

“Taleia has been outstanding the last several games,” Porter said.

Moton was just that as she would go on to finish game with 30 points, the second game in a row in which she has reached that mark.

Throughout the game, the duo of Rahneeka Saunders and Moton had established a chemsity as two laser-passes by Saunders led to Moton layups. Saunders would finish the game one assist shy of a double-double. But it wouldn’t have been your conventional point guard double-double, as she reeled in 11 boards to go along with nine assists.
A fast break steal and bucket by Mason put a cap on a game they dominated from the start.

“I’m never going to downplay a win, but our goal with 25 games to play is looking for ways to get better,” Porter said.

Mason will look to improve on their 4-1 record when they play the University of Massachusetts at home on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.