George Mason University delivered a tough defeat to the University of Richmond’s women’s basketball team, ending the Spiders’ impressive 11-game winning streak. The final score was 46-37, marking Richmond’s lowest points total of the season.
The game kicked off with a three-pointer from Alicia Newell, quickly followed by George Mason’s response. After Richmond briefly gained an edge, the Patriots hit consecutive three-pointers to seize the lead by the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, George Mason extended its lead. But Richmond fought back with a 7-0 run to briefly regain the advantage. However, the Patriots finished the half strong, going into the break with a narrow 21-20 lead.
The second half saw George Mason dominate early, opening with a 9-0 run. Richmond managed to inch closer but couldn’t catch up, as the Patriots maintained their lead and ultimately secured the win.
Key players for Richmond included Rachel Ullstrom, who scored nine points, and Maggie Doogan, who contributed seven points, eight rebounds, and five blocks—her best performance so far.
Interestingly, this was the first time Richmond scored fewer than 40 points in a game since February 2019. The team’s shooting stats were less than stellar: only 13 out of 49 from the field and 6 of 24 from beyond the arc.
This loss reflects the challenges faced by teams in competitive environments, much like the changes seen in collegiate basketball over the years. As recent data shows, scoring has generally increased in women’s basketball, with an average team scoring about 68 points per game this season.
What’s next for Richmond? They are set to continue their season with a game against George Washington before returning home to honor their seniors.
For more insights into women’s basketball trends, you might check out the NCAA reports here.
