Women’s Basketball Surges Past La Salle, 67-59

Wednesday, January 16

Philadelphia, Pa.

5 p.m.

George Washington University

6-11, 3-1 A-10

La Salle

3-15, 0-4 A-10

George Washington

La Salle

1/16/2019 7:49:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Colonials win third straight behind Luma’s career-high 22

PHILADELPHIA – GW women's basketball had utilized extended runs late in games to win both of its Atlantic 10 contests entering Wednesday night at Tom Gola Arena. The hallmark of the squad early in conference play rang true yet again as GW opened up a tie game with a 14-1 run that spanned the third and fourth quarters to pull away and beat La Salle, 67-59.

Tied at 41 with a minute remaining in the third quarter, GW executed to perfection with a triple from sophomore Lexus Levy, a driving layup from classmate Neila Luma and a 3-pointer from senior Kelsi Mahoney on its final three possessions to grab a 49-41 edge heading to the fourth.

GW kept the pedal to the medal with three straight layups to open the frame, one from Luma and two from redshirt-sophomore Sarah Overcash to open up its largest advantage at 55-42.

The Colonial defense did its job in the stretch, forcing the Explorers into six straight misses and a pair of turnovers on the decisive end. Overall the Buff & Blue limited La Salle to 36.2 percent shooting from the floor, including a paltry 4-of-16 (25 percent) from beyond the arc.

A late flurry of fouls allowed GW to keep a comfortable lead with a 7-for-8 showing from the charity stripe in the final frame and a 13-for-15 display on the day.

GW shot a solid 40 percent for the contest and nailed six 3s. The team dynamic was on full display with a season-high 21 assists on 24 made field goals. Defensively, GW notched 10 steals as part of forcing 17 turnovers that resulted in 19 points.

Luma was dynamite once again for the Colonials, resetting her career-high for the second time in three games with 22 points on 11-of-18 shooting. She also added seven rebounds in an efficient 28 minutes. Senior Mei-Lyn Bautista joined Luma in double figures with an all-around effort of 10 points, eight assists, and five steals, the latter two of which marked season bests.

Mahoney knocked down a pair of 3s and finished with eight points and five helpers. Overcash provided a boost off the bench late with five points and five boards in the final frame, ultimately tallying seven points and eight rebounds.

The Colonials now head back to the District for a home-heavy portion of the schedule with three games at the Smith Center over the next two weeks. The slate starts with a 2 p.m. tip on Saturday against local rival George Mason as part of Homecoming weekend as GW looks for its fourth straight win.