GLEN ALLEN, Va. — George Mason University (23-8, 16-2 Atlantic 10) clinched a 60-45 win over the University of Richmond (26-7, 15-3 Atlantic 10) with a commanding defensive display, racking up 11 steals. The Patriots turned the Spiders' 17 turnovers into 15 crucial points.
The showdown began with George Mason and Richmond neck-and-neck in a tightly contested first quarter featuring three ties.
Zahirah Walton was pivotal for the Green & Gold, scoring twice in the paint to keep the game within reach, including a layup at 6:06 that knotted the score at 6. Despite their persistence, the Patriots struggled with shooting accuracy, managing only 4 of 18 from the field. Richmond edged ahead with a late 3-pointer, ending the quarter with a 12–8 lead over George Mason.
The Patriots took charge in the second quarter with an assertive scoring surge, starting with
Jada Brown's jumper to even the score at 12. Walton extended the lead with a layup, assisted by Brown, making it 18–14. Capitalizing on fast breaks and turnovers,
Kennedy Harris added a crucial layup and a jumper to close the quarter. The Spiders were thwarted by George Mason's defense, which forced several turnovers. The quarter wrapped up with George Mason leading 24–19.
The Green & Gold widened their lead with a decisive run midway through the third quarter, highlighted by Walton's 3-pointer at 6:49 and a follow-up layup at 5:13. The team capitalized on more Spider turnovers, as Harris converted a fast-break layup at 5:01, extending the lead. George Mason maintained their momentum with
Mary Amoateng contributing another 3-pointer, further boosting the score. The quarter concluded with George Mason ahead, 43-32.
The Patriots solidified their lead in the fourth quarter with a steady offensive show, highlighted by Walton's layup at 6:59. Walton was instrumental throughout the quarter, including a key steal and free throw that sustained the momentum. Richmond tried to close the gap, but the Green & Gold's relentless defense, including three steals, kept them at bay. The quarter ended with the Patriots adding 17 points to Richmond's 13, sealing the game with a final score of 60–45.
PATRIOT POINTS
UP NEXT
The Patriots will face the Rhode Island Rams in the Atlantic 10 Championship on Sunday, March 8 at 4 p.m. A broadcast will be available on ESPN 2.
