Florida State is yet again moving to the grand stage of March Madness. They are making their 12th consecutive appearance in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. But before, FSU can go any further, they need to tackle an unfamiliar opponent.
They will be going up against George Mason this Saturday. The No. 11-seeded Patriots will step onto the court at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
To add on, Florida State head coach Brooke Wyckoff and George Mason’s Vanessa Blair-Lewis aren’t just competitors. Their shared journey of coaching and motherhood will be coming face-to-face on the hard courts. Still, friendship aside, both teams are here to win. And George Mason is no pushover.
Where Is George Mason Situated? And What Do They Bring to the Table?
George Mason University is located in Fairfax County, Virginia, right outside Washington, D.C. They are known for their academics. While they have made a name for themselves in multiple sports, it is the women’s basketball team that seems to have made history.
The Patriots have had a great season with a 27-5 overall record and a conference-best 14-4 tally. Statistically, they have been one of the most balanced teams in the country. They allow just 56.7 points per game. The Patriots rank 29th nationally in scoring defense, and have an offense that averages 73.7 points per game.
Florida State, on the other hand, thrives on scoring and puts up an average of 87.2 points per game, good for third in the nation. Their styles are quite contrasting, making the Saturday game a must-watch. But it will not be easy for FSU considering the names that George Mason is bringing.
They have Zahirah Walton on the offensive, who has led the team with 15.1 points per game average. There’s also Nalani Kaysia who has 9.8 rebounds per contest. Additionally, they also have Paula Suárez, who has had 4.3 assists per game.
Beyond individual numbers, the Patriots’ strength lies in their chemistry, defensive discipline, and ability to control the tempo of a game. This was evident in their last match.
In their last match against Saint Joseph’s, the Patriots went on to win 73-58. Walton and Suárez led the charge with 42 points combined. Meanwhile, the team shot 90.9% from the field in the third quarter to get the clear-cut win. That match was a declaration that the Patriots were more than ready for the national stage.
KEEP READING: Florida State vs. George Mason Prediction: Can the Patriots Pull Off the Classic 6 vs. 11 Upset?
Saturday’s match will be all about experience versus hunger. Florida State enters as the favorite, but George Mason has already proven they belong. If the Patriots can control the pace and force Florida State into a defensive battle, an upset might just be in the cards.
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