SUMMARY
FAIRFAX, Virginia – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (4-7) fell to George Mason (10-1) as the Hawks dropped the road game 61-40 in EagleBank Arena.
 
THE SCORE
George Mason (10-1) - 61
Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (4-7) - 40
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hawks started the first four minutes of the game outrebounding George Mason 6-3, with the score tied at zero. The Patriots attempted eight 3-pointers, connecting on two for a 6-2 start, and extended the lead to 8-0 by the first media timeout. By the end of the first half, the Maroon and Gray held the advantage on the boards with 17 rebounds. Ashanti Lynch led the Hawks with four points in the first half.

In the second quarter, Mahogany Lester scored the Hawks' first points with a post move. Ce'nara Skanes and Zamara Haynes provided additional offensive support. Skanes connected on two free throws and was efficent down low, while Haynes showed her aggression with a fast-break layup. Jayla Butler hit a mid-range jumper, adding to the Hawks' second-quarter production with eight points. Despite the effort, the Hawks trailed the Patriots 34-8 at halftime.

To start the second half, Lynch propelled UMES with back-to-back scores — a 3-pointer and a drive through the lane — to boost the Hawks' offensive efforts. The Hawks scored 20 points in the fourth quarter, fueled by a field goal percentage of 46.7% overall and 57.1% from 3-point range. Skanes continued to dominate in the second half, recording her first double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds shooting 100% from three (2-2) and 4-8 inside the arch.
 
BY THE NUMBERS
 
Dakieran Turner earned a spot in the starting lineup for the fourth time this season, playing a season-high 21 minutes. The junior contributed five rebounds and one steal.

Skanes recorded her first double-double of the season, finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Hawks.

Lynch notched her second consecutive game scoring in double figures. Against Arizona State on Dec. 7, Lynch finished with 13 points, and tonight the North Carolina native led the team with 17.

The Hawks shot a season-high 54.5% from 3-point range.

COMMENTS FROM HAWK HEAD COACH MALIKAH WILLIS
Reflection on the game
"We have to change our mentality. Our players know they need to prepare differently in warmups. We give them the game plan, but they have to start preparing like they want to win. When that jersey comes on and the lights are on, they're taking everything a little bit too slow."

Improvements on handling the full court press
"I thought we handled the press a lot better. The problem is we still ended up with turnovers because of our decision-making. Once we got past the press or got into our offensive flow, we became a little stagnant. I was pleased with the improvements we made in getting the ball down the court, but once we got to half court, we had to make a play—and we were 0-for-13 in the first quarter."

Ce'nara Skanes building momentum 
"She's a double-double machine. Her history shows she was a leader in double-doubles at her former school, and she's going to do the same here. As she continues to get acclimated, we know what to expect from her. We're looking forward to big things, especially when we get into conference play."

Quick turnaround with the University of Virginia on Tuesday
"It's up to us. In our postgame meeting, we discussed how we are our best defense. We have to get out of our own way, stop being afraid to win, and do the hard things it takes to get over that hump. We can prepare all we want, as coaches, and lay out the game plan, but if we don't play for 40 minutes—if we're not ready to be physical and make tough shots—then we're going to have the same outcome."
NEXT UP
Next, the Hawks travel to Charlottesville for their gme against the University of Virginia on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.