Fairfax, Va. — George Mason’s women’s basketball team scored a hard-fought win over the University of Richmond, securing a 46-37 victory at EagleBank Arena. Their defense played a key role, grabbing 47 rebounds and making 10 steals, while forcing Richmond into 13 turnovers.
The game kicked off with George Mason quickly matching Richmond’s scoring. Jada Brown hit a fastbreak 3-pointer to tie things up at 3–3. MJ Johnson then drained a 3-pointer to narrow Richmond’s lead to 8–6. Mary Amoateng’s own 3-pointer at the end of the quarter put George Mason ahead 9–8. They finished the first quarter with a narrow lead of 12–11.
In the second quarter, George Mason began to create some distance. Johnson stole the ball and followed up with a layup, putting the score at 14-11. Zahirah Walton contributed with another layup, making it 16-11. Richmond tried to regain control, but Kennedy Harris hit a crucial 3-pointer assisted by Walton, giving George Mason a slight edge. The quarter ended in a tie, 21-20.
The third quarter saw George Mason pull ahead with a 9-0 run. Jada Brown, Louis Volker, and Kennedy Harris each nailed 3-pointers. Richmond managed only a jumper in response, and the Patriots ended the third quarter with a solid 38-28 lead.
In the final quarter, George Mason continued strong. Mary Amoateng and Kennedy Harris hit key baskets. Richmond struggled to close the gap, scoring only three field goals. Brown’s layup and two jumpers from Harris sealed the game for the Patriots, who won 46-37.
### Insights and Trends
This win places George Mason among the top teams in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Women’s basketball has seen a rise in viewership and interest lately, with the NCAA reporting a significant increase in attendance and TV ratings for women’s games over the past few years. A report from the NCAA found that women’s basketball viewership increased by nearly 20% in 2022 compared to the previous year.
Social media reactions to the game were positive, with fans praising George Mason’s defense and teamwork. Many highlighted the energy in EagleBank Arena, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the game.
As for George Mason’s upcoming schedule, they will travel to Chicago to take on the Ramblers. Each game remains crucial as they aim for a strong finish this season.
For more on women’s sports success, check out this article from ESPN on the growing impact of women’s basketball.
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