CHICAGO (Interstat) — Zahirah Walton scored 22 points and George Mason used a decisive third-quarter surge to pull away from Loyola Chicago for a 67-55 victory in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Wednesday night at Joseph Gentile Center.

The Patriots, who swept the regular-season series, improved to 18-8 overall. The Ramblers fell to 12-14.

In a game defined by defensive pressure and offensive struggles, the pivotal stretch came early in the third quarter. With George Mason leading 27-25, the Patriots unleashed a 10-2 run over a four-minute span to create their first significant separation. Walton, who played 28 minutes, was the catalyst, scoring six points during the surge, including a turnaround jumper off a steal. Her efforts helped push the lead to 37-27, a margin Loyola Chicago would never seriously threaten.

The Ramblers, who shot just 43.5% from the floor and committed 15 turnovers, could not mount a consistent offensive response. Alex-Anne Bessette led Loyola Chicago with 15 points and Alexus Mobley added 12, but the team managed only a 39.1% shooting night and connected on just 3 of 11 from three-point range.

George Mason’s defense was the foundation of the win. The Patriots amassed 10 steals and forced those 15 Rambler turnovers, converting them into 15 points. They also dominated the glass on the offensive end, grabbing 11 offensive rebounds to Loyola Chicago’s five, which led to 11 second-chance points.

While Walton provided the scoring punch, Mary Amoateng offered crucial support off the bench with 11 points, all in the second half. The Patriots’ backcourt of Jada Brown and Hawa Komara contributed eight points apiece, with Komara adding a block and a steal.

The game began as a low-scoring, physical affair. The first quarter ended tied at 16, and George Mason took a narrow 27-25 lead into halftime after both teams combined for just 20 points in the second period. Loyola Chicago’s offensive woes were most acute in that frame, where they scored only nine points on 3-of-12 shooting.

George Mason gradually expanded its lead in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on free throws to seal the game. The Patriots attempted 23 free throws, making 17, while Loyola Chicago went 12 of 17 from the line.

The Ramblers’ backcourt of Alexa Kinas and Kira Chivers was held in check, combining for just 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting. Brooklyn Vaughn added six points for Loyola Chicago.

George Mason, which scored 32 points in the paint, next hosts George Washington on Saturday. Loyola Chicago travels to face Saint Bonaventure on Saturday.

Attendance was 412 at the Gentile Center.