Women’s Basketball Drops Opening Game of Cancun Challenge

Thursday, November 22

Cancun, Mexico

4 p.m.

George Washington University

1-4

Georgia Tech

4-1

GEORGIA TECH

GEORGE WASHINGTON

11/22/2018 6:57:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Bautista ties career high with five made threes

CANCUN, Mexico – GW women's basketball jumped out to a six-point first quarter advantage, but eventually succumbed to the pressure defense of Georgia Tech in a 70-55 loss on Thursday night at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in the first game of the Cancun Challenge.

Senior Mei-Lyn Bautista led GW with 18 points on the back of five three-pointers, which tied a career high. Bautista also dished out a season-best six assists and recorded three steals, the fifth time in as many games this year she's posted multiple swipes.

Seniors Anna Savino and Kelsi Mahoney were responsible for a pair of threes each as the Colonials hit a season-high 10 triples in total. Georgia Tech (4-1) was able to offset GW's three-point prowess by shooting 44 percent overall and converting 23 GW turnovers into 23 points. Elizabeth Balogun led three Jackets in double figures with 19 points and four steals.

The Colonials led by six late in the first quarter at 15-9 after Bautista's second triple of the frame. From there, though, Georgia Tech scored the next eight points and went on an elongated 23-4 run spanning the first and second quarters to take a 32-19 lead.

The Jackets extended the lead to as many as 25 early in the third quarter, but GW showed some tenacity with a strong offensive second half. Mahoney scored six of her nine points in the third quarter and the Colonials found the stroke from deep, hitting five threes in the fourth.

GW finished the game on an 8-2 spurt thanks to trifectas from Savino and first-year Maddie Loder, as well as a pair of free throws from redshirt sophomore Sarah Overcash.

The Buff & Blue (1-4) wrap up its two-game swing in the Cancun Challenge on Friday against No. 15/13 NC State. Tip-off is once again slated for 4 p.m.