Box Score PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Despite a strong third-quarter surge, the George Mason women's basketball team fell 83-69 to Saint Joseph's on Saturday afternoon at Michael J. Hagan '85 Arena. The Patriots (23-5, 13-4 A-10) showcased resilience, cutting into a large deficit in the second half, but ultimately couldn't slow down the sharp-shooting Hawks (21-6, 12-4 A-10).
George Mason got off to a competitive start, attacking the paint with
Zahirah Walton and
Nalani Kaysia leading the charge. However, Saint Joseph's took advantage of early three-point shooting, edging ahead 17-15 after ten minutes.
The Hawks found their rhythm offensively, outscoring the Patriots 23-14 in the period. George Mason battled at the free-throw line, with Walton and Paula Suarez knocking down key shots, but Saint Joseph's carried a 40-29 lead into halftime.
The Patriots responded with their best quarter of the game, outscoring Saint Joseph's 24-18 behind an explosive offensive push from Walton, who finished with 28 points and 8 rebounds. George Mason shot 47.4% from the field and hit both of its three-point attempts, trimming the deficit to 58-53 heading into the fourth.
Saint Joseph's proved too efficient down the stretch, shooting 58.3% from the field and hitting clutch free throws to pull away. Despite George Mason's continued fight, including a late three-pointer from Suarez, the Hawks closed out the game with a 25-16 fourth-quarter advantage, winning the game, 83-69.
Patriot Points
- Zahirah Walton finished with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 7-of-9 free throws
- Paula Suarez added 16 points and 2 steals
- Nalani Kaysia tallied a near double-double, with 8 points and 11 rebounds
- George Mason shot 48.2% from the field, 85.7% from the free throw line
- The Patriots went on a 20-5 run in the third quarter to cut the Hawks lead to 5
Up Next
The Patriots will look to rebound as they return home for their final A-10 regular season matchup against Duquesne.
