Madalyn Godfrey/ Fourth Estate
Key games as the Patriots pursue their first-ever NCAA Tournament berth
BY GABRIEL KING, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
After a breakout 2023-24 season that saw multiple records shattered, Mason women’s basketball will look to continue building under head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis. The Patriots have improved every season under Blair-Lewis, including reaching the inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament last year.
Per the Atlantic 10’s annual preseason poll, Mason is projected to finish third in the conference this year. If the A-10 is as strong as it was last year, a third-place finish could be enough to send the Patriots to their first ever NCAA Tournament. To do that, Mason will need to pick up marquee wins and avoid resume-damaging losses. Here are five games to monitor as the Patriots look to make more history:
1. Vs. No. 18 Maryland (in Annapolis, Md.) – Nov. 30, 3:30 p.m., ESPN+
The Patriots and Terrapins will face off for the third straight season, this time at a neutral site in Annapolis as part of the Navy Challenge. Last year, Mason held a lead in the third quarter before falling to Maryland in College Park. Even if the Patriots lose this game, another strong showing against one of women’s basketball’s power programs could be enough to boost their resume.
2. At Georgetown – Dec. 9, 7:00 p.m., FloSports
After their surprise run to the Big East championship game in March, the Hoyas have suddenly become a formidable opponent. While the Patriots will be likely favored in this game, they cannot overlook Georgetown. Grabbing a win against a power conference opponent on this quick trip to Washington could give the Patriots a marquee win in the non-conference.
3. At Richmond – Jan. 8, 6:00 p.m., ESPN+
While Mason defeated Richmond last season, the Spiders got the last laugh when they won the A-10 Tournament and clinched a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The defending champion Spiders are projected to repeat as champions but the Patriots are one of the top contenders to take the crown. A win in Richmond would be a great start to 2025 and give Mason an edge over one of their top competitors in the A-10.
4. At Saint Joseph’s – Feb. 23, 4:00 p.m., ESPNU
In one of their biggest conference games of the season, the Patriots will travel to Philadelphia to face Saint Joseph’s. The Hawks beat the Patriots at EagleBank Arena in February so Mason will be certainly looking to return the favor. Saint Joseph’s was picked to finish second in the A-10 so this game is bound to have seeding implications heading into March. Plus, the national spotlight will give both teams the media recognition they deserve.
5. Vs. Duquesne – Mar. 1, 3:00 p.m., ESPN+
Despite Duquesne being picked to finish in the middle of the pack in the A-10, this game has plenty of intrigue. The Dukes eliminated the Patriots from last year’s A-10 Tournament after a controversial call that prevented Mason from reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time. With the game being the final game of the regular season, the Patriots will be looking to avenge their March heartbreak and enter the postseason with momentum.
Mason’s season kicked off against Johnson C. Smith on Nov. 4 at 2:00 p.m. at EagleBank Arena where the Patriots won 106-51.
