University of Delaware Athletics
No. 18 Delaware Completes Sweep in Virginia, Gets 31 Points from Delle Donne to Roll Past Mason 69-55
2/19/2013 7:09:00 PM | Women's Basketball
FAIRFAX, Va. -- Senior Elena Delle Donne(at right) nearly recorded a double-double as she put up her 33rd career 30-plus point game Tuesday evening at the Patriot Center as the No. 18/19 University of Delaware women's basketball team defeated George Mason, 69-55, for its 18th straight victory.
With the win, the Blue Hens remained undefeated in Colonial Athletic Association play as they improved to 23-3 overall and 14-0 in league action. The win was Delaware's 33rd consecutive CAA regular season victory as the Hens posted a two-game road sweep in the state of Virginia after defeating William & Mary 66-44 Sunday in Williamsburg, Va.
Delle Donne put up 31 points in addition to nine rebounds, two blocks, two steals and one assist for Delaware. Fellow seniors Danielle Parker and Lauren Carra chipped in eight points each while Parker added eight rebounds and two blocked shots of her own. Kayla Miller dished out six assists from her point guard position.
Delaware was outrebounded, 36-40, by the Patriots, who saw Janaa Pickard collect eight rebounds while Amber Easter picked up seven for GMU.
George Mason (8-16, 3-10 CAA) also saw four players in double figures and were led by Easter's 14 points. Pickard added 13 points while Rahneeka Saunders scored 12 points and Joyous Tharrington chipped in with 10 points.
The Blue Hens were outscored in the second half for just the fourth time this season, with the previous times coming in losses to Georgetown and No. 9/8 Maryland and an overtime victory over St. John's.
Earlier this season, Delaware defeated George Mason, 62-27, at the Bob Carpenter Center in their best defensive effort in 40 years.
“We've gone through the whole year and these kids have been terrific, but tonight we didn't have the energy or effort and I am not very happy,” remarked UD head coach Tina Martin. “We didn't take care of the ball and the lack of focus by some individuals was very evident. We did some things we haven't done all season."
The Hens shot 51.7 percent in the first half on 15-of-29 shooting from the floor. Delaware went into halftime with a 17-point lead at 41-24.
UD started the second half and went up by 19-points within the first two and a half minutes. Mason responded with a 14-6 run to cut the lead to 11 points with just over nine minutes remaining in the game.
“This wasn't the Delaware energy tonight that we usually show,” Delle Donne commented. “Obviously we did win, but it wasn't a pretty win. We have to stay positive as one bad game does not define us.”
The Blue Hens return home Sunday as they host James Madison at 4:30 p.m. in their annual Dare to Be Strong Women's Health Awareness/Play 4 Kay pink game.
The game, which is a sellout, will be televised on Comcast Sports Net. Both teams will wear pink on the court and fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of women's health initiatives.
