Maryland survives late charge to beat George Mason

On November 30, 2024, in Annapolis, Maryland, the No. 10 Maryland Terrapins faced off against the George Mason Patriots in a highly anticipated matchup of unbeaten teams at the Navy Classic. Maryland entered the game with a 7-0 record, aiming for their best start since the 2018-19 season. The Terrapins had to dig deep, as they led by only two points in the fourth quarter, showcasing a competitive spirit against George Mason, who, at 6-1, had shown resilience throughout the game. Key player Kaylene Smikle played a pivotal role, scoring 16 points and making crucial baskets during the closing moments of the match, allowing Maryland to maintain their lead despite struggling with free-throw shooting, making only 13 of their 26 attempts. In the early stages of the game, Maryland built a solid lead, going into halftime ahead by 10 points. However, season-sophomore Kennedy Harris of George Mason would not allow her team to give in easily. She led all scorers with an impressive 26 points and helped cut down Maryland's lead significantly with a jumper that gave the Patriots a brief 49-48 lead in the fourth quarter. This marked the first time George Mason had pulled ahead in the second half, creating a tense atmosphere as both teams fought for victory. The final minutes saw Maryland regain composure thanks to Smikle’s defensive prowess and clutch shooting. With just over three minutes left and a close score of 55-53, Smikle intercepted the ball from Harris and converted a three-point play that shifted momentum and allowed the Terrapins to build a more comfortable lead. Smikle's putback moments later extended the gap, pushing Maryland ahead by seven points. Despite the final score of 66-56, the game demonstrated the growing competitiveness of George Mason, who have now lost all nine encounters with Maryland but have managed to make recent games more closely contested. For George Mason, the defeat is a tough blow, but it provides a learning opportunity moving forward. They have showcased determination and improvements but continue to struggle against the elite teams in their schedule. The performance by Harris is a notable highlight, as she remains a standout player for the Patriots. Maryland’s continued challenges with free-throw shooting present an area for improvement, but they remain focused on building momentum as the season progresses. With their best start in several years, the Terrapins look forward to their upcoming matchup against Toledo, while George Mason prepares to face Navy in the same event the following day.