KNAPP CREEK, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by missed opportunities and critical free throws, the George Mason Patriots grinded out a 57-48 victory over the Saint Bonaventure Bonnies in an Atlantic 10 women’s basketball game Wednesday night at the Reilly Center.

The Patriots, who never trailed after the opening minutes of the second quarter, improved to 13-6 overall. The Bonnies fell to 12-8.

The game’s pivotal sequence arrived not with a dramatic shot, but with a series of composed trips to the foul line in the final minute. Leading 48-46 with 32 seconds remaining, George Mason’s Zahirah Walton sank two free throws to extend the lead to four. After a Saint Bonaventure turnover, Mary Amoateng was fouled and made one of two free throws with 17 seconds left, making it a five-point game and effectively sealing the outcome.

George Mason’s success at the line was a stark contrast to Saint Bonaventure’s struggles and proved to be the decisive statistical factor. The Patriots converted 18 of their 22 free throw attempts, an 81.8% clip. The Bonnies, meanwhile, managed only 6 of 12 from the charity stripe, leaving crucial points unclaimed in a low-scoring affair.

Walton, a 5-foot-11 guard from Seattle, led all scorers with 14 points, 12 of which came from the free throw line where she was a perfect 12-for-12. She added two assists and a block in 36 minutes. She was joined by backcourt mate Jada Brown of Falls Church, Virginia, who also scored 12 points, and Amoateng of Baltimore, Maryland, who chipped in 14 points and two assists.

Saint Bonaventure was led by Aaliyah Parker of Cheektowaga, New York, who scored 11 points. Laycee Drake of Hancock, New York, added seven points.

The game was characterized by offensive inefficiency. George Mason shot just 35.4% from the field and 29.4% from three-point range, but their discipline in drawing fouls and capitalizing at the line offset the poor shooting. Saint Bonaventure was only marginally better from the floor at 33.9%, but their 4-for-9 shooting from beyond the arc was not enough to compensate for their inability to generate easy points inside or at the foul line.

Defensively, both teams were active, combining for 13 steals and forcing 23 turnovers. The Bonnies held a 22-12 advantage in points in the paint and out-rebounded the Patriots on the offensive glass, but their 11 turnovers led to 12 points for George Mason.

The first quarter ended with Saint Bonaventure holding a narrow 16-13 lead, but the Patriots seized control in the second period. A 15-10 quarter in their favor sent them into halftime with a 28-26 advantage they would not relinquish. The Patriots maintained their lead throughout a sloppy third quarter where both teams combined for 10 turnovers, and closed the game by holding the Bonnies to just 10 points in the final frame.

The win extends George Mason’s winning streak to three games as they continue a strong start to their Atlantic 10 schedule. Saint Bonaventure, which had won two of its last three, looks to rebound in its next contest.

George Mason will host Richmond on Sunday. Saint Bonaventure is scheduled to play La Salle at home on Saturday.