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1 of 1- xAC
- Buff & Blue Club
Offline - From: Alabama
- Registered: 7/22/2019
- Posts: 627
GW versus George Mason University Game (1)
On Sunday, local rival George Mason University visits the Smith Center for the first of two regular season matches with the Revs. The Patriots have started red hot in the A10, going 4-0 after a 5-6 OOC performance. Their early season losses have come at the hands of power conference foes (Maryland and Ole Miss) and upper tier mid-majors (Temple (OT), Murray State (-5) , Liberty (-1), and Princeton (OT) ). GMU, predicted to finish 2nd in the A10 this season, is living up to that projection, having defeated each A10 opponent (Fordham, Dayton, VCU, and La Salle) by double-digit margins. The Patriots are led by Zahriah Walton (19.6 ppg and 6 rpg) and Kennedy Harris (13.9 ppg), both preseason 1st Team All-A10 selections. GMU , who features a deep bench and likes to press, has forced opponents into over 20 turnovers per game resulting in a league-leading +6 in turnover margin. Look for the Patriots to apply pressure early and often.
Last season, GW’s inability to handle the press resulted in two very lopsided defeats. Coach G has done a good job of preparing the team for pressure after the early season issues, but the Patriots may be the toughest test yet for GW. If the young Revs’ squad can put last year in the rear view mirror, they have an opportunity to compete. On the defensive side, GW must slow down Walton, who can score inside and out, and had a 42-point outburst earlier this season. Harris is the main outside threat, with 32 treys to her credit this year. On the offensive side, the improvements need to continue. Against URI, Lewis showed her ability to score over opponents as well as going directly at them and she needs to continue to mix it up. With Sims and Wilson at the center of attack, GW was much better at finishing shots at the rim and the shot selection was good. The bench continued to contribute solid minutes. James, Phiri, and Theodorsson were able to replace starters and keep the team competitive during their munutes. Reynolds and Lewis have to avoid unnecessary fouls that put them on the bench, because their offense is critical. And, the Revs must find a way to get Reynolds 15 shots a game.
A road trip to Pittburgh and a date with Duquesne is on the docket for next Wednesday.
Last edited by xAC (1/09/2026 4:13 pm)
- dmvpiranha
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Re: GW versus George Mason University Game (1)
Thanks xAC! As you mentioned, I was expecting a rough game with a lot of turnovers. Despite 24 turnovers, WBB kept it respectable unlike last year. Credit the team for fighting.
Really rough game from Reynolds, but thankfully Lewis was ready when the team desperately needed scoring getting to the rim. I continue to be impressed by Phiri. She may have been the best player for GW today as a freshman. Was a bit surprised that Dulin didn't play at all. I like James, but thought Mason's height would be a factor. I'm seeing some growth from Becker offensively too with cuts to the rim.
Ultimately, this team brings it every game but they need more height, especially down low. Mason unsurprisingly wrecked GW on the boards, although I was surprised GW ended up coming down with more by the end of the game. They also need more consistent shotmakers. Despite the rough start to conference play, I think the next six are gettable games. Not all will be wins, but GW won't be a huge underdog.
- xAC
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- From: Alabama
- Registered: 7/22/2019
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Re: GW versus George Mason University Game (1)
Geroge Mason defeats GWv 59-46.
GW got off to a slow start, trailing after the 1st quarter 16-6. The Revs played the Patriots even in the rest of the way, but could never cut the lead to below 4 points. GW faltered in the 4th quarter to lose by the eventual 13-point margin. GMU finished at just 33% shooting from the field, but forcing 24 GW turnovers and grabbing 19 offensive rebounds led to a +25 advantage in shot attempts and a 21-2 edge in points-off-turnovers. Walton led the way with 21 points for the Patriots and Harris followed with 14 points. For GW, Lewis posted a 10/10 double-double, and Phiri added 10 points on 4-5 shooting from the field. Reynolds was held scoreless for 3 quarters, but managed to drain a couple of shots in the 4th quarter to finish with 6 points.
GW’s half court defense was outstanding, holding down an offensively-talented team to just 59 points, many of which were scored following GW miscues. However, the Revs failed to box out their opponents time and again, resulting in numerous second chance opportunities. GW had multiple opportunities to close in on the Patriots, but due to careless offensive play at critical junctures, those opportunities were missed. The PG play has been erratic. The press is not a major problem, but so many unforced errors at the point of attack have been destructive. Also, over dribbling used up precious seconds, leaving the Revs with low-percentage scoring options when the clock was winding down. Given the current level of PG play, it’s surprising that Dulin isn’t getting more minutes. She did not play today.
Despite the 4-game losing skid, there are bright spots. The past two games have shown that the Revs’ defense is capable of competing with the top teams in the A10. On offense, Lewis continues to improve, but needs to take better care of the ball, and Phiri gets better with each game. Both will need to consistently step up when opponents focus their defense on Reynolds, as GMU did today. Reynolds did not shoot well today, but she did not force shots. She continues to play within the flow of the offense and will have some big games before the season is over. As for some of the others, Becker and Theodorsson are great complementary players, and Loving has shown she can play extended minutes and help the team. Let’s start a streak in the other direction.
GW’s only matchup with Duquesne in the regular season is next up on Wednesday in Pittsburgh.
Last edited by xAC (1/11/2026 4:10 pm)
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