FAIRFAX, Va. (Interstat) — The George Mason Patriots defeated the Richmond Spiders 46-37 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Monday at EagleBank Arena. George Mason used a decisive 17-8 third-quarter run to pull away after leading 21-20 at halftime. Richmond, which entered the Atlantic 10 contest with a 22-5 record, was held to its lowest scoring output of the season. The Patriots improved to 17-8. George Mason capitalized on turnovers, scoring 14 points off them, while Richmond managed 11. Attendance was 1,386. The result avenged a Patriots loss to the Spiders just nine days prior.

FAIRFAX, Va. (Interstat) — In a grinding, defensive Atlantic 10 Conference clash defined by missed shots and forced turnovers, the George Mason Patriots used a decisive third-quarter surge to secure a 46-37 victory over the Richmond Spiders in women’s basketball on Monday afternoon at EagleBank Arena. The game, played before a crowd of 1,386, was a stark contrast to the teams’ meeting just over a week prior, which Richmond won by 14 points. This time, offensive rhythm was scarce for both sides, but George Mason’s ability to capitalize on Richmond’s mistakes in a pivotal period proved the difference. The first half was a low-scoring affair typical of two defensively stout teams. Richmond’s Alicia Newell opened the scoring with a 3-pointer, but both teams struggled from the floor. George Mason’s defense, led by early blocks from Zahirah Walton and Maliyah Johnson, kept the Spiders in check, while Richmond’s interior presence, anchored by Maggie Doogan’s five blocks, challenged every Patriots drive. The teams were nearly even at halftime, with George Mason holding a narrow 21-20 lead after a back-and-forth second quarter. The most important part of the game arrived decisively in the third quarter. George Mason emerged from the break with renewed energy, particularly on the defensive end. The Patriots forced a series of Richmond turnovers and converted them into quick points, igniting a 17-8 quarter that broke the game open. Kennedy Harris and Jada Brown were instrumental in the run, with Harris hitting a critical 3-pointer and Brown contributing a steal and an assist during the stretch. The Spiders, who managed only eight points in the period, saw their offensive struggles compound with errant passes and contested shots, allowing the Patriots to build a 38-28 lead heading into the final frame. Richmond attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, with Ally Sweeney hitting a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 40-35 with 8:23 remaining. However, the Spiders could not sustain the momentum. George Mason’s defense tightened again, and key baskets from Brown and Harris down the stretch extinguished any hope of a Richmond rally. A late layup from Rachel Ullstrom brought the Spiders within six, but Harris answered immediately with a jumper to seal the outcome. Kennedy Harris led all scorers with 15 points for George Mason, adding two assists and two steals. Jada Brown provided a crucial spark off the bench with 10 points, including two 3-pointers, and three steals. For Richmond, Rachel Ullstrom finished with nine points, while Maggie Doogan’s stat line underscored her defensive impact with seven points, three assists and five blocked shots. George Mason improved its season record to 17-8 overall. The Patriots won despite shooting struggles, leveraging 14 points off Richmond turnovers. Richmond, which fell to 22-5, was held to a season-low in points, well below its season average. The Spiders managed only 11 points off turnovers and 14 points in the paint. The victory gives George Mason a season split with Richmond, a key conference rival, and provides momentum as they head into the final stretch of league play. Richmond will look to rebound from its offensive woes quickly as the Atlantic 10 schedule continues.

FAIRFAX, Va. (Interstat) — The Atlantic 10-leading Richmond Spiders, riding a nine-game winning streak, visit the George Mason Patriots on Monday in a key conference women’s basketball matchup at EagleBank Arena. The Spiders (22-4, 12-1 A-10), who solidified their top spot with a 65-43 road win at Davidson on Saturday, have been dominant since the calendar turned to January. Their last loss came on Dec. 29. Richmond’s offense, averaging 77.2 points per game during the streak, is powered by star forward Maggie Doogan. The junior is coming off a 26-point, six-rebound performance against Davidson and averaged 22.1 points and 7.1 rebounds over her last seven contests. She scored 20 points in Richmond’s 71-57 home victory over George Mason on Feb. 7. The Patriots (16-8, 8-5), meanwhile, look to rebound from a 79-63 home loss to Rhode Island on Saturday and avenge their earlier defeat to the Spiders. George Mason had won five of six prior to the loss to the Rams. Their success hinges on defense and rebounding, led by forward Hawa Komara. She grabbed 16 rebounds against Rhode Island and averages a double-double in her last two games. Containing Doogan and improving offensive efficiency will be critical for the Patriots, who shot just 32.8% from the field in the first meeting. Monday’s game is a pivotal opportunity for George Mason to bolster its conference tournament seeding and hand Richmond a rare loss. For the Spiders, it’s another test in their pursuit of a regular-season title. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST.