George Mason University’s women’s basketball team lost a close game to the University of Rhode Island, 53-51, in the Atlantic 10 championship at the Henrico Sports & Events Center on March 8.
The outcome was significant for both teams, as it determined postseason opportunities and capped a strong season for George Mason. The Patriots finished with a record of 23-9 overall and 16-2 in conference play.
George Mason started strong, with Zahirah Walton scoring early and Kennedy Harris and MJ Johnson each making three-pointers to build an initial lead. Mary Amoateng’s layup at the end of the first quarter gave the Patriots a 15–7 advantage. In the second quarter, Walton continued to contribute offensively, but shooting struggles allowed Rhode Island to close the gap. Despite Jada Brown’s jumper and Harris’s free throws extending George Mason’s lead, Rhode Island narrowed it to just one point by halftime.
The third quarter saw momentum shift as Rhode Island pulled ahead despite defensive efforts from Walton. Amoateng kept George Mason within reach with key baskets, while Harris made three consecutive free throws late in the period. However, Rhode Island maintained a five-point lead going into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, George Mason mounted a comeback led by Harris’s three-pointer and Walton’s inside scoring. Amoateng added two free throws with less than a minute remaining to keep hopes alive. Despite late three-pointers from Brown and Amoateng, George Mason could not overcome Rhode Island’s narrow lead.
Although they did not win the championship, George Mason secured an automatic bid to participate in the WBIT tournament. The team will find out on Sunday, March 15 whether they receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament or where they will compete next in WBIT play.
