WILLIAMSBURG, Va.— William & Mary women's basketball closes their their three-game homestand to open the season when they welcome George Mason on Sunday. The Tribe (0-2, 0-0 CAA) and Patriots (2-0, 0-0 A-10) will tip at 1 p.m., with the game broadcast on FloHoops.
Fans can keep up with W&M women's basketball by following the program on social media as well. Be sure to check out the Tribe on Twitter (@WMTribeWBB), Facebook (WMTribeWBB), and Instagram (WMTribeWBB).
Clear Bag Policy
William & Mary Athletics, in conjunction with the William & Mary Police Department, has implemented a clear bag policy that regulates the size and type of bag that may be carried into W&M Athletics facilities during the 2023-24 year, including Busch Field, Kaplan Arena, Martin Family Stadium, Plumeri Park, and Zable Stadium. Information as well as approved and prohibited items is available at TribeAtheltics.com.
TRIBE NOTES
• The Matchup
William & Mary faces their third in-state opponent in as many games, and the second of two straight A-10 teams, when they welcome Gerorge Mason to Kaplan Arena on Sunday afternoon. W&M hasn't lost to Mason at home since 2006.
• The Opponent
The Patriots of George Mason were tabbed eighth in the Atlantic 10 Preseason Poll. They are off to a 2-0 start after wins against DII Bowie State and Marshall. Mason has been strong on the glass in their opening two games, averaging 57.5 boards and a +20 rebounding margin. They have posted 96 and 84 points in their games so far and used a 28-point second quarter to handle Marshall 84-77 on Thursday.
• Last Time Out
The Tribe battled hard but got behind the 8-ball on Friday evening against VCU. The Tribe trailed 40-24 at the half before both teams traded buckets for most of the second frame, resulting in a 70-54 final score. Nylah Young led the way again offensively, scoring 26 points after scoring 29 in the season opener. Bella Nascimento (11 pts) and Monet Dance were the only other W&M players with multiple buckets.
• Dribble, Shoot, Spike?
Bella Nascimento transferred to William & Mary from Manhattan after averaging nearly 10 points per game for the Jaspers, but that's not all she did athletically. Nascimento was a member of the Manhattan volleyball team last year, playing in 39 sets over 11 matches. She picked up 30 kills for the Jaspers.
• Record Setting Start for Young
Nylah Young wasted no time getting aclamated in her first ever game in Green and Gold. The Hampton transfer put up 29 points on 9-for-14 shooting. The effort set the mark for most points ever by a Tribe player in a season opener.
• Not in Our House
The Tribe have enjoyed plenty of success over the Patriots at home in the recent series history. William & Mary has won six straight home matchups agaisnt Mason. The last time the Tribe lost a game to them at home was February of 2006. For reference, none of the players on William & Mary's current squad would have been past the first grade at that point. The Tribe won at home the following year, snapping a 12-game losing streak to Mason and have won seven of the last 10 matchups to date.
• Nylon Nylah
Nylah Young backed up a stellar Tribe debut Monday with a strong second half in her second game. Young tallied 20 points vs. VCU in the second frame Friday to finish with 26 on the night. The last Tribe player to open a season with back-to-back games of 24+ points was Emily Correal in 2012-13. Correal opened with 24 and 27 points.
• Home Cookin'
The Tribe start the new campaign with a three-game homestand in the season's first week. The last time W&M opened a season with three consecutive home games was in 1986.
• In-State Battles
The Tribe's 23-24 schedule features a plethora of Commonwealth opponents. The Tribe will face nine in-state teams this year over 10 contests. Seven of their 11 non-con games are against Virginia teams.
