December 21, 2004

BOX SCORE

FAIRFAX, Va. -- Longwood University dropped a 75-51 women’s basketball decision at George Mason Tuesday night in Fairfax.  The Patriots (4-3) had four players in double-figure scoring, led by Lauren Hediger with 15 points, while the Lancers (4-5) were led by junior Ashley Mason/Virginia Beach (Princess Anne) with a game-high 16 points.  Longwood will play again Dec. 29-30 at the Eastern Kentucky Classic, playing Morehead State on Dec. 29 at 5:30 p.m. in Richmond, Kentucky.

Longwood jumped ahead early at George Mason, leading 5-0 at 18:55 on a basket from junior Amber Mason/Virginia Beach (Princess Anne) and a three-pointer by Ashley Mason.  The Lancers still led 17-16 at 10:48 on a layup from senior Marita Meldere/Rujiena, Latvia (Lynchburg Christian).  The Patriots used a 13-5 run to lead 29-22 with 6:02 left in the period en route to a 34-26 halftime advantage.

George Mason continued with its momentum in the second half, leading 45-28 with 17:29 remaining, and Longwood could get no closer than 12 points (52-40, 11:19) midway through the period on a layup from Ashley Mason.  The Patriots took their largest lead late in the contest at 75-49 with 1:01 left to play.

Ashley Mason scored 12 of her game-high 16 points in the first half, adding seven rebounds and three assists.  Meldere finished with another double-double of 11 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, adding two blocks.  Amber Mason added seven points and three steals, while junior Jessica Wilkerson/Roanoke (Northside) contributed four assists for the Lancers.  LU shot 35% (20-57) from the field, including 2-9 on three-pointers, and 56% (9-16) at the line.

Hediger’s team-high 15 points included 3-5 on three-pointers, while Tracy Ann Holness added 13 points.  Moni Akintunde finished with 12 points and seven rebounds, and Jen Daniels had 10 points for the Patriots.  GMU shot 41% (26-64) from the field, including 42% (5-12) on three-pointers, and 64% (18-28) at the line.