HENRICO, Va. - George Mason continued their historic Atlantic 10 Tournament run with a commanding 63-50 victory over Davidson in the semifinals, punching their ticket to the championship game.
From the opening tip, the Patriots made it clear they were there to win, using a combination of defensive intensity and efficient scoring to control the game. They set the tone early, outscoring Davidson 20-13 in the first quarter behind a balanced offensive attack. Zahirah Walton and Nalani Kaysia dominated in the paint, while Paula Suárez and Kennedy Harris provided key contributions. George Mason's defense forced turnovers and limited Davidson's shooting, ensuring they had the upper hand heading into the second quarter.
The second quarter was more of a grind, as both teams tightened up defensively. George Mason maintained their lead thanks to disciplined play and smart shot selection, matching Davidson with 12 points apiece in the period. While Davidson attempted to chip away at the deficit, the Patriots' ability to control the glass and capitalize on second-chance opportunities kept them in command. Suarez was steady at the free-throw line, while Walton continued to attack the rim and draw fouls. Despite a slight scoring slowdown, George Mason entered the half with a seven-point cushion, fully in control of the game's tempo.
Coming out of halftime, the Patriots put together a strong third quarter, building on their lead with a 15-9 advantage. Their defense was suffocating, holding Davidson to just 22% shooting in the period. Harris and Suarez stepped up with timely baskets, while Kaysia continued to be a force on the boards, finishing with a game-high nine rebounds. George Mason's ability to turn defense into offense was crucial, as they racked up 26 points off turnovers. By the end of the third, the Patriots had extended their lead to double digits, leaving Davidson struggling to find answers.
The fourth quarter was all about sealing the deal, and George Mason did just that. While Davidson made one last push, the Patriots stayed composed, matching them with 16 points apiece in the final frame. Walton delivered in the clutch, finishing with a team-high 16 points, while the Patriots' free-throw shooting down the stretch helped them put the game away. As the final buzzer sounded, George Mason celebrated a program-defining moment, securing their first-ever trip to the A-10 championship game. With one more win standing between them and history, the Patriots have never looked more ready.
UP NEXT
The Patriots face the Saint Joseph's Hawks in the Atlantic 10 Championship game on Sunday, March 9, at 4 p.m. at the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Center.
