Fairfax, VA- After several lead exchanges throughout the game and a 21 point performance from Jewel Watkins, the Eagles lost to the Patriots on Saturday, December 17th at the Eaglebank Arena for a final score of 59-51. Coppin is now 3-9 for the season while George Mason advances to 6-5.
Watkins led all players with 21 points, seven rebounds, four threes and six field-goals made. Mossi Staples was the team's second leading scorer with 10 points, five rebounds and two assists. Courtney Gardner was a key component with a season high nine points and dished out two assists. Jaylnda Salley led the team with eight rebounds and chipped in four points with a block. Hope Evans led the team with three assists and shot a perfect two for two from the field. Alexandria Hamilton hit a three-pointer to bring a fourth quarter lead. Coppin outnumbered the Patriots in defensive rebounds (11-8), steals (6-5) and threes made (8-3).
The Eagles kept close with the Patriots in several lead exchanges within the first half. Evans opened the game with a quick transition lay-up. Watkins brought out an early first quarter lead with back-to-back pull-ups. Gardner hit a three off Evans assist before Watkins went on a 6-0 run as she hit a pair of threes. Watkins had 14 points in the first half alone. Staples hit a corner three to close the half with the Eagles trailing by one (27-26).
Gardner opened the second half with a floater in the paint to take the lead over George Mason. Salley came alive in the third quarter with two lay-ups in the paint from Evans assists. Wakins hit another pair of threes to maintain a lead over George Mason (41-38).
After trailing the Patriots by two in the fourth quarter Hamilton hit a three to bring a 48-47 lead. The Patriots went on a 7-0 run to take advantage and eventually pulled away with a final score of 59-51.
Up Next: The Eagles remain on the road and will face George Washington University on December 22nd for a 12p tip-off. Fans can view the game on ESPN+.
