ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — George Mason University (13-6, 8-0 Atlantic 10) emerged victorious over St. Bonaventure University (12-8, 3-5 Atlantic 10), finishing with a 57-48 win. A key factor was their dominance at the free-throw line, outscoring St. Bonaventure 18-6. Capitalizing on second-chance opportunities, the Green & Gold also netted 15 points to the Bonnies' 5. This triumph marked the first time the Patriots have started conference play with an 8-0 record.

The game kicked off with both teams battling for control, as the Patriots found themselves in a tight matchup. Falling behind early, George Mason tied it up at 5-5 with a three-pointer from Jada Brown at 6:10. Brown hit another three at 5:22, assisted by Hawa Komara, to briefly put the Patriots ahead. Despite these efforts, George Mason ended the first quarter trailing 16-13.

In the second quarter, George Mason began to shift the momentum. Zahirah Walton's free throws at 9:33 tied the game at 16. A crucial three-pointer by Mary Amoateng, assisted by Komara at 8:59, pushed the Patriots to an 18-16 lead. Although the lead shifted several times, Walton's layup at 2:57 kept them close. Amoateng's jumper with just over a minute left secured a 28-26 advantage at halftime, with George Mason outscoring the Bonnies 15-10 in the quarter.

The third quarter saw George Mason continue their push, highlighted by a fast-break layup from Walton at 5:53, assisted by Brown, which extended their lead to six. Amoateng's jumper at 2:37 maintained this advantage, and a late three-pointer by Kennedy Harris at 1:15 ensured the Patriots stayed ahead. Despite a late tie from St. Bonaventure, George Mason closed the quarter leading 41-38.

In the final quarter, the Patriots cemented their lead with crucial defensive plays. Louis Volker's block and defensive rebound at 9:44 helped sustain a narrow edge. Amoateng's layup at 8:58 and a jumper at 1:57, assisted by Walton, increased the lead to 51-46. Walton's free throws in the closing moments sealed the deal. The Green & Gold wrapped up the game with a 57-48 victory over St. Bonaventure.

PATRIOT POINTS

• Zahirah Walton - 14 points, 10-10 FT, 7 rebounds, 1 stlea, 1 block
• Mary Amoateng - 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
• Jada Brown - 12 points, 50% FG, 3 assists, 2 rebounds
• Hawa Komara - 11 rebounds, 2 assists

UP NEXT
The Patriots return home for a marquee matchup against Richmond on Sunday, January 25 at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU.