Women's Basketball Tips Off 2021-22 Season vs. American

Tuesday, November 9

Washington, DC

5:30 PM

George Washington University

American

11/8/2021 1:02:00 PM | Women's Basketball

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Colonials and Eagles battle on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

WASHINGTON - The Caroline McCombs era will officially get underway on Tuesday when GW women's basketball opens the 2021-22 season, hosting American at the Smith Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. with live coverage on NBC Sports Washington+ and ESPN+.

WHO LEADS THE WAY?
With several news faces this season, the Colonials have an opening in the leading scorer department and several members of the Buff & Blue have a chance to step up.

Last year's leading returning scorer, Mayowa Taiwo, averaged 6.1 ppg and figures to be a key member of GW's starting five. Meanwhile, several transfers for the Buff & Blue averaged double digits last season, including Sheslanie Laureano (15.8 ppg at Florida Southwestern State), Nya Lok (14.2 ppg at Midland College) and Sierra Bell (10.7 ppg at Purdue Fort Wayne).

DE-FENSE, DE- FENSE
No matter who is scoring the rock this season for the Colonials, one thing is certain, Coach McCombs will be prioritizing lock down defense at all times.

Last year, McCombs' Stony Brook side was fifth-best in the nation in points allowed per game, giving up just 52 points per game to opposition offenses. McCombs' Seawolves also led their conference in defensive rebounding and finished in the top four in steals, blocked shots and defensive rebounds per game.

ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF
When Coach McCombs takes the court on Tuesday, she'll have a chance to become the sixth George Washinton women's basketball head coach to open up her GW career with a win. Of the prior 10 GW head coaches, Jonathan Tsipis, Mike Bozeman, Jennifer Bednarek, Linda Makowski and Maureen Frederick all claimed victory in their inaugural game for the Buff & Blue.

A LOOK AT THE EAGLES
American enters the 2021-22 season having finished last year with a 7-4 record and a second round appearance in the Patriot League Tournament. In 2020, the Eagles were one of the more potent offensive teams in the Patriot League, finishing second in the conference in field goal percentage, and finishing in the top five in scoring offense and scoring margin.

Leading the Eagles this season is senior Jade Edwards, who was named Patriot League Preseason Player of the Year. Edwards led the team last year with a career high 17.4 ppg and 7.4 rpg.