FAIRFAX, Va. — George Mason University (3-1, 0-0 Atlantic 10) defeated Georgetown University (1-2, 0-0 Big East) on Friday, 61-54, with a decisive 24-point fourth quarter and 10 steals contributing to the win. This victory marked the Patriots' first win at home against Georgetown since 1992, ending a long-standing drought.
George Mason opened the first quarter with a jumper by
Kennedy Harris at 9:30, establishing an early lead. Harris continued to influence the game by hitting a 3-pointer with an assist from
Jada Brown at 7:38, momentarily putting the Patriots ahead. However, Georgetown responded effectively, taking control late in the quarter with a pair of layups, including one by Chet Nweke on a fast break at 0:54. The quarter ended with the Green & Gold trailing 12–8.
The Patriots experienced a challenging second quarter, initially struggling to find their rhythm. They faced early setbacks with turnovers, leading to Georgetown extending their lead. However,
MJ Johnson's defensive efforts, including a crucial steal at 8:44, helped shift momentum.
Louis Volker and Harris capitalized on late opportunities, each scoring in the paint, with Johnson assisting both plays. Despite narrowing the gap, the quarter closed with Georgetown leading 22–14.
George Mason sparked momentum midway through the third quarter with a defensive play from Volker, who made a block and secured a defensive rebound, setting up a scoring run. Johnson contributed with a jumper, followed by a fastbreak layup from Brown assisted by Johnson, narrowing the deficit to 26–19. Despite this effort, Georgetown's Laila Jewett responded with a key 3-pointer, and Khadee Hession added another late in the quarter, solidifying Georgetown's lead. The quarter ended with Georgetown leading 36–24.
George Mason rallied in the final quarter, narrowing a significant deficit with a strong offensive push.
Zahirah Walton's consistent scoring, including a crucial layup at 45 seconds remaining, tied the game at 46-46, aided by Harris's assist. Despite a late exchange, Harris managed to equalize with a jumper at 12 seconds, bringing the score to 48-48. The game concluded with a tied score, 48-48, marking a competitive finish to the matchup.
The Patriots secured control in the fifth period with a decisive 13–6 run. Walton initiated the momentum with a fast-break layup at 4:54, and Harris followed with a critical three-pointer at 4:09, pushing the score to 53–50. Johnson contributed with a pivotal offensive rebound and layup at 3:28, extending the lead further. Despite Georgetown's attempts to rally, George Mason maintained its advantage. Harris added a jumper at 0:35, and
Page Greenburg sealed the victory by sinking two free throws with 18 seconds remaining. The game concluded with George Mason prevailing, 61–54.
PATRIOT POINTS
UP NEXT
The Patriots are back in action on Wednesday, November 19 vs. FGCU at 7 p.m. at EagleBank Arena.
