This post was written by Hatchet staff writer Matt Cullen.
What: Women’s basketball (9-3) vs. Hartford (4-7)
When: Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 7 p.m.
Where: Smith Center, Washington, D.C.
The Colonials wrap up non-conference play Wednesday night when they host the Hartford Hawks on the penultimate day of 2015.
On Monday, GW was able to control the pace and find the basket. They defeated Illinois, 70–57, behind a career-high 20 points from sophomore guard Brianna Cummings.
Hartford comes back into action following a close loss to Massachusetts Tuesday after leading by 20 points at halftime.
These two teams have not met since 2008 when the Colonials topped the Hawks by only two points (67-65) after last second free throws gave them the victory.
Case for the Colonials:
The Colonials have the momentum going into this matchup. After a tough loss at the hands of Florida Gulf Coast they have piled up four straight wins and have a chance to make it five before heading into Atlantic 10 play.
Conversely, after starting off hot, the Hawks are now on a four game losing skid including two losses by 30-plus points to Boston College and Arizona State.
In the past couple of games it seems that head coach Jonathan Tsipis has finally found his starting lineup with Cummings, senior forward Jonquel Jones, junior forward Caira Washington, graduate student guard Lauren Chase, and junior guard Hannah Schaible.
After Cummings’ strong performance against Illinois and Schaible’s consistent approach, Tsipis has been able to stick with them on the wings. To round out the strong defensive backcourt is Chase who controls the pace of the game on both sides of the court.
Jones could be the headline everyday for the Colonials. She has now collected ten consecutive double-doubles en route to the most points per game in the A-10 and the most rebounds per game in the country.
Defense and rebounding are the backbone for the Colonials and if they successfully execute their game plan in those aspects, they should be able to control the game against Hartford.
Case for the Hawks:
Junior guard Deanna Mayza is the key of the Hawks offense every time they walk on the court. If she has a good game it gives Hartford a chance to win no matter the opponent.
Mayza averages 13.5 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Sophomore forward Darby Lee and senior guard Katelyn Skinner also chip in with 7.4 and 6.2 points per game, respectively.
However, the Hawks lack some size down low and are most likely going to struggle on the boards.
One of the few statistical categories that the Hawks lead their opponents in is free-throw shooting. Along with their below average three-point percentage, it would be to their advantage to drive the lane and get the Colonials front court in foul trouble.
Bottom Line: If the Colonials play solid defense on Wednesday they should get the win. Their ability down low and talent through the lineup should be enough to bring them a win. But, Hartford plays 11-deep and with Mayza on the court they could go on a run at anytime and stay right in the game.
