FAIRFAX, Va. — George Mason University (6-6, 1-0 Atlantic 10) fell to Princeton University (11-1, 0-0 Ivy League), 71-69, in an overtime thriller at EagleBank Arena. The game featured five ties and six lead changes, with the Patriots' 12 steals keeping the contest tightly contested until the final moments.
The quarter began with Princeton taking an early lead, but the Green & Gold responded with key defensive plays.
Hawa Komara's steal and subsequent fast-break layup at 6:38 brought the Patriots within one point. This was followed by a successful layup by Maliyah Johnson at 5:41, tying the game at 7. Despite the efforts of the Patriots, which included
Jada Brown's jumper with 48 seconds left to tie the game again at 13, Princeton managed to edge ahead with a three-pointer by Madison St. Rose at 24 seconds. The quarter concluded with Princeton leading 16-13.
In the second quarter, the Patriots made a push with key contributions from
Kennedy Harris, who scored a jumper at 8:08 to narrow the gap.
Louis Volker's offensive presence was felt with a crucial tip-in at 6:37 and a jumper at 0:42, keeping the team competitive. Despite these efforts, Princeton maintained a slight edge, aided by Skye Belker's 3-pointer at 3:28. The quarter concluded with the Green & Gold trailing by four, 34-27.
The Patriots fought back in the third quarter, narrowing the gap with a late surge. Komara ignited a response with a rebound and an assist, leading to a three-pointer by Volker at 6:29, which cut the deficit.
Zahirah Walton added a three-pointer at 1:26, and Harris capped the quarter with a crucial three-pointer and free throw at 0:18, bringing the score closer. The quarter ended with the Patriots outscoring Princeton 14–11, but they trailed 45–41 heading into the final regulation frame.
The Green & Gold took control in the fourth with a critical stretch led by Walton's jumper at 9:38, which initiated a scoring exchange. Harris added a 3-pointer at 8:32 to push the home team ahead.
Mary Amoateng's defensive effort, including key steals, helped maintain momentum, while Walton's consistent free-throw shooting kept the pressure on Princeton. Princeton attempted to close the gap, drawing level with a late surge, but the Patriots held firm. Despite a tense final minute where Princeton equalized at 63 with 8 seconds remaining, the game concluded with both teams tied 63–63, marking the end of regulation play.
In a tense overtime period, the Patriots managed to briefly take the lead with a pair of free throws by
Kayla Johnson at 4:06, putting them ahead 65-63. Walton extended the advantage with another free throw, making it 66-63. Despite holding a narrow lead for most of the period, Princeton fought back with a layup by Belker at 1:45 and a key fastbreak layup by Toby Nweke at 00:10, swinging the score to 69-68 in favor of Princeton. Walton tied the game at 69 with 8 seconds remaining, but Ashley Chea's jumper with 2 seconds left sealed the win for Princeton. The game concluded with a final score of 71-69 in favor of Princeton.
PATRIOT POINTS
UP NEXT
The Patriots restart conference play vs. the Dayton Flyers on December 31 at 12 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
