FAIRFAX, Va. – After a close first quarter, the La Salle women's basketball team (4-22, 1-11 A-10) couldn't keep up with George Mason (13-11, 5-6 A-10) in a Valentine's Day matchup, falling 59-42.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The game started with the teams trading the first 16 points game for an 8-8 tie through the first 5:45. The remainder of the period was similar to the first portion with George Mason holding a slim 10-9 advantage in the final minutes.
• Mason opened the second period on a 9-1 run over the first 5:03 before the media stoppage. The Patriots continued their offensive run, ending the stanza on a 9-2 spurt to give them a 36-20 lead.
• George Mason held the Explorers to 11 points in the third, while the Patriots added 18 to their total.
• La Salle won the battle in the final frame as it outscored George Mason 11-5. The five points allowed is the lowest total allowed by the Explorers this season.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Sophomore Michelle Nicholls led the team with 12 points on 4-of-10 shooting.
• Junior Shalina Miller added eight points, five rebounds, and three blocks.
• Junior Sofilia Ngwafang made her first start of the season, registering seven points and six rebounds.
• Senior Jeryn Reese ended with six points and 10 boards.

UP NEXT:
The Explorers return to Philadelphia for the team's annual Play4Kay game on Sunday as crosstown rival Saint Joseph's pays a visit to Tom Gola Arena. Tipoff is schedule for 2 p.m.