The sound of anxious anticipation was broken by thunderous roars of jubilation Sunday night in EagleBank Arena as George Mason Women’s Basketball heard their name called in the NCAA Tournament selection show for the very first time. The team jumped to their feet, as did the fans sitting in the first few rows behind the center-court sideline who were able to see the TV located in front of the players and coaches. The rest of the arena, eagerly awaiting to see the moment on the broadcast, erupted into chants of “GMU! GMU! GMU!” when their name was finally announced as the eleventh seed.
George Mason (27-5, 14-4) will be heading to Baton Rouge, LA, to face sixth-seed Florida State (23-8, 13-5) in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. "This is a crazy, surreal feeling," said senior guard Paula Suárez. "I’m just living in the moment and really excited." For the Patriots, this achievement is more than just a game; it marks a historic moment that follows a series of record-breaking seasons.
The current season has seen George Mason achieve numerous milestones, including their first conference championship and setting a program record for most wins in a season. "Honestly, just playing in it is a blessing in itself," said graduate student Nalani Kaysia. As excitement builds, the coaching staff has shifted focus back to preparing for the significant game ahead. Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis remarked, "Everyone kept saying ‘who are you gonna get?’ They’re very confident."
As they prepare to take on Florida State, George Mason finds itself in the familiar role of an underdog, having opened as a 4.5-point underdog. The Seminoles are currently ranked #22 in the AP Poll and #24 in the Coaches Poll. This matchup carries a unique significance; for George Mason, it’s a chance to continue defining their legacy, having secured their spot in the NCAA Tournament after years of striving towards this goal. Their last win over a ranked opponent was way back on December 20, 2002, against #21 George Washington.
On the other side of the court, Florida State is led by the nation’s leading scorer, Ta’Niya Latson, who averages a staggering 24.9 points per game. As a team, they rank second in the nation in scoring with an average of 87.2 points per game. Meanwhile, George Mason’s scoring averages 73.7 points per game, ranking them 54th in the country.
Defensively, George Mason ranks 28th in the nation, allowing just 56.7 points per game, while Florida State struggles at 308th, yielding around 71.2 points. In analyzing styles of play, George Mason's strategy might just involve speeding up the tempo, challenging Florida State's often high-octane approach.
Looking ahead, FSU’s record suggests a parallel narrative. They have shown strength against quality opponents, recently taking down #3 Notre Dame but have struggled offensively in their last two games, scoring just 57 and 56 points. This fluctuation adds an unpredictable element to the upcoming match. As George Mason approaches this monumental game, player perspectives reflect the excitement and nervousness of such a momentous occasion.
"Honestly just having another game, having another opportunity to keep winning games, keep breaking records for this school, and just playing," Suárez added, her excitement palpable. The co-captain was openly thrilled, even laughing when asked if she had ever been to Louisiana. "I have not, I don’t even know where it is," she quipped.
Conversely, Kaysia looked forward to the adventure. "I love Louisiana! Can’t wait to get some beignets, I can’t wait to hear the music! I just am super duper excited to be in Louisiana!" The Patriots' spirits are high, poised to continue making history this Saturday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, at 7:45 ET/6:45 CT on ESPN2.
This remarkable journey marks a significant milestone in the program's history, a feat accomplished through hard work and perseverance. Daniel Frank, an alum of George Mason University and a content lead for Women’s Basketball coverage at A10Talk, mentioned, "No matter what happens, this team’s legacy is forever immortalized." The sentiments echo throughout the community, embracing the moment of opportunity infused with pride.
As the time nears for tip-off on Saturday, anticipation builds not just within the George Mason team, but among fans and supporters who have witnessed this team grow and excel. The match against Florida State may be a crucial test for the Patriots, but more than that, it symbolizes an entire journey culminating in what they hope is just the beginning of a new era in George Mason Women’s Basketball.
With the national spotlight shining on them, the Patriots are determined to show what they are made of. Kaysia emphasized, "Now that everything has come out, we know who our opponent is, it’s time to go to work. It’s time to hit the ground running and continue to scout and practice for the game that’s coming up on Saturday." Whether they face triumph or setback, the moment cements their status in NCAA history.
