HARRISONBURG, Va. — George Mason University (1-1, 0-0 Atlantic 10) defeated James Madison University (1-1, 0-0 Sun Belt), 72-57, with a barrage of 14 three-pointers and a strong defensive effort yielding 11 steals. This victory marked George Mason's first win over JMU since 2005, snapping a 20-game win streak for James Madison.

The opening quarter concluded with George Mason holding a narrow 13-12 lead over James Madison. The Patriots' Zahirah Walton was pivotal, contributing back-to-back three-pointers at 6:47 and 6:21, both assisted by Kennedy Harris. Walton's impressive shooting night set the tone, as she went on to achieve a career-high with four made three-pointers in the game. Both teams showed strong defensive efforts, with each recording five turnovers, maintaining a tightly contested start.

Mary Amoateng's early three-pointer at 9:23 set the tone for the Green & Gold's dominant second quarter. The visiting team capitalized on their shooting accuracy, with MJ Johnson and Kennedy Harris both contributing with key three-pointers. The Patriots' defense also stood out, with Zahirah Walton and Louis Volker each recording blocks, helping to limit James Madison's scoring opportunities. By the end of the quarter, the Green & Gold had extended their lead, outscoring James Madison 22-7, to take a commanding position in the game.

The Patriots asserted control in the third quarter, opening with a layup by MJ Johnson at 9:49 to extend their lead. Harris contributed significantly, recording a steal and a fastbreak three-pointer at 8:42, pushing the Green & Gold's advantage to 40-19. Walton added a three-pointer at 4:46, assisted by Page Greenburg, further widening the gap. The Patriots finished the quarter with a 53-33 advantage.

George Mason maintained control in the fourth quarter, despite James Madison's 24-point surge. Jada Brown's three-pointer at 7:13 and Walton's three-point play at 5:05 helped the Patriots keep a comfortable lead. As the clock wound down, Leah Keyes added to their tally with a layup at 0:47. James Madison's Peyton McDaniel hit a three-pointer with 23 seconds left, but it was not enough to close the gap, securing a 72-57 victory for George Mason.

PATRIOT POINTS

• Zahirah Walton finished with 22 points, including a career-high four 3-pointers, 7 rebounds, & 4 steals  
• Kennedy Harris added 13 points, including three 3-pointers and steals  
• Mary Amoateng totaled 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists
• The Patriots shot 39% from the floor and 47% from three

UP NEXT
The Patriots return to Fairfax for their home opener on Monday, Novemeber 10 at 7 p.m. vs. Florida A&M.