PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — The Saint Joseph’s Hawks used a dominant second quarter and a balanced offensive attack to overcome a slow start and defeat the George Washington Revolutionaries 70-63 in an Atlantic 10 women’s basketball game Wednesday afternoon at Hagan Arena.

A crowd of 1,580 watched the Hawks improve to 16-8 overall and even their conference record. The Revolutionaries fell to 13-13.

George Washington controlled the opening period, building a 16-11 lead behind early baskets from Sara Lewis and Gabby Reynolds. The Hawks, however, seized momentum decisively in the second quarter, outscoring the Revolutionaries 20-13 to take a 31-29 lead into halftime. The surge was fueled by defensive pressure that generated turnovers and transition opportunities. Saint Joseph’s extended its lead in the third quarter and managed to hold off several George Washington rallies in the final period.

The most critical phase of the game occurred late in the fourth quarter with Saint Joseph’s protecting a narrow lead. Leading 61-58 with under three minutes to play, the Hawks’ Gabby Casey hit a crucial 3-pointer off an assist from Aleah Snead to push the advantage to six points. After a George Washington miss, the Hawks ran the shot clock down before Emily Knouse connected on another 3-pointer with 1:05 remaining, extending the lead to 67-61 and effectively sealing the victory. George Washington was unable to answer with a scoring run in the final minute.

Jaeda Wilson led all scorers with 20 points for George Washington, adding three rebounds in 27 minutes. Gabby Reynolds contributed 15 points for the Revolutionaries. Kamari Sims provided a strong all-around effort with seven points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks.

Saint Joseph’s showcased a trio of double-digit scorers. Rhian Stokes paced the Hawks with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. Aleah Snead recorded a double-double with 15 points and six rebounds, along with four assists. Gabby Casey matched Snead’s 15 points while adding five rebounds and five assists. Kaylinn Bethea provided a key spark off the bench with eight points and three rebounds in just 12 minutes.

The Hawks’ defense was disruptive throughout, forcing 22 George Washington turnovers, which they converted into 19 points. Saint Joseph’s also held a 38-34 advantage in rebounds.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Saint Joseph’s was projected with an 89 percent probability to win.

George Washington will look to return to the win column when it hosts La Salle on Saturday. Saint Joseph’s travels to face Loyola Chicago, also on Saturday.