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RAMS HOST PATRIOTS IN CONFERENCE HOME OPENER RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Commonwealth University women’s basketball team knows that it is on the cusp of accomplishing great things. The Black and Gold demonstrated that on Monday night by nearly ending Old Dominion’s 34-game conference home-winning streak, but the Lady Monarchs did what they always seem to do and hit the big shots in order to give VCU a tough 69-68 loss. The Rams return to the hardwood on tonight as they host the Patriots of George Mason University in the conference home opener for the Black and Gold. Senior Quanitra Hollingsworth (Chesapeake, Va.) has been outstanding all year long averaging 15 points and over nine boards a game for VCU, while tallying six double-doubles, one of which came on Monday with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Hollingsworth is happy to see the Patriots come to town as the veteran has averaged 16 points and 12.8 rebound per game in six career games against Mason, including five double-doubles. VCU saw a glimpse of its future in Monday’s game with the freshmen duo of Jennifer Lane (Wichita, Kan.) and Courtney Hurt (Loganville, Ga.) (left) spurred a 13-2 run to end the first half. Hurt finished the evening with seven points and four rebounds in just seven minutes, while Lane, who has started every game this year, had 10 points, five assists and four rebounds. The Rams balanced scoring attack has been the story all year long with at least three players in double figures in 10 of the 13 contests. Five different players are averaging at least 8.8 ppg. On the line against Mason will be VCU’s nine-game home-winning streak dating back Feb. 28th of last season when the Rams beat James Madison at the Siegel Center. The Black and Gold have posted ‘W’s’ in 22 of the past 25 home contests. George Mason has had a tough start under first-year Head Coach Jeri Porter. After dropping the first eight games of the 2008-2009 campaign, the Patriots have won two of their last four. Leading Mason is sophomore guard tandem of Brittany Poindexter and Brittany Eley who are combining for 17.1 ppg and nearly nine rebounds per outing. The Patriots lead the head-to-head series by a tally of 26-24, but VCU has won six of the past seven match-ups. Game time at the Siegel Center is set for 7 p.m.
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