FAIRFAX, Va. — George Mason (11-6, 6-0 Atlantic 10) continued their dominant run in the Atlantic 10 with a gritty 59-54 victory over Loyola University Chicago (6-11, 2-4 Atlantic 10) at EagleBank Arena. The Patriots, now an impressive 6-0 in conference play for the first time in program history, showcased their defensive prowess with 10 steals and capitalized on 14 points off turnovers to seal the win.
The game kicked off with George Mason setting the pace right from the start.
Zahirah Walton's three-point play at 8:42 was an early highlight, establishing the tone for the night. A crucial moment followed when
Louis Volker drained a three-pointer at 7:20, pushing the lead to 8–0.
Jada Brown's assist and jumper added to the Patriots' early momentum, keeping Loyola at bay as they closed the first quarter ahead 14–9.
In the second quarter, the Patriots kept their foot on the gas. A pivotal stretch was marked by
Page Greenburg's 3-pointer at 7:23, which widened their lead. Walton was instrumental again, adding a layup and a jumper to the scoreboard. Despite Loyola's efforts to tighten the score, George Mason's defense, forcing six turnovers, held strong. They edged out Loyola 15-14 in the quarter, heading into halftime with a 29-23 lead.
The third quarter saw George Mason powering forward, banking on solid defensive plays to keep the momentum.
Kennedy Harris, with a 3-pointer at 7:58 off a Brown assist, sparked a run that included a fastbreak jumper from Walton. Walton's precision from the free-throw line at 6:48 further expanded the lead. Even as Loyola hit a couple of 3-pointers, the Patriots kept their composure. Walton's crucial 3-pointer at 2:46 reinforced their dominance, closing the quarter at 46–37.
Harris set the tone for the final quarter with a three-pointer at 9:49, again assisted by Brown, keeping George Mason comfortably ahead. Walton's consistent scoring with a jumper and free throw extended the lead to 54–39. Loyola made a late push, highlighted by Rosalie Mercille's three-pointer, but the Patriots remained unfazed. Key free throws from
Mary Amoateng in the dying seconds ensured George Mason's 59–54 triumph.
PATRIOT POINTS
UP NEXT
The Patriots head north to Philly for a Sunday showdown with Saint Joseph's on January 18 at 2 p.m. on the CBS Sports Network
