RICHMOND, Va. (Interstat) — A surging George Mason looks to continue its momentum against a struggling VCU squad when the Atlantic 10 women’s basketball rivals meet Sunday at the Siegel Center.

The Patriots (7-6, 1-0 A-10) enter conference play riding high after a decisive 74-59 victory over Dayton on Wednesday. The Rams (4-10, 0-1), meanwhile, seek to rebound from a 55-45 loss at Saint Joseph’s that same day.

George Mason’s offense runs through guard Zahirah Walton, who is coming off a stellar 25-point, four-rebound, four-assist performance against Dayton. Over her last three games, Walton is averaging 18 points. She is complemented by forwards Louis Volker and Kennedy Harris, who combined for 27 points and 14 rebounds in the win.

VCU will counter with guard Mary-Anna Asare, who has been a bright spot in a difficult season. Asare scored 20 points in the loss to Saint Joseph’s, accounting for nearly half of the Rams’ total output. Finding consistent secondary scoring behind her remains a challenge for a team averaging just 60.1 points per game.

The Patriots have won three of their last four, including an overtime victory over Georgetown and the dominant win against Dayton. Their defense has been key, holding opponents to 58 points or fewer in five of their seven wins.

VCU’s season has been defined by offensive struggles and a tough non-conference schedule. The Rams have lost five straight and eight of their last nine, with the lone win in that stretch a six-point victory over American University.

History and location add intrigue to the matchup. The Siegel Center has long been a fortress for VCU athletics, and the Rams will be desperate to secure their first Atlantic 10 win in front of their home crowd. George Mason, however, brings more proven firepower and recent form into the contest.

Sunday’s game tips off at 2 p.m. EST. For George Mason, it’s a chance to solidify a strong start to conference play. For VCU, it represents an opportunity to reverse its fortunes and defend its home court against a regional foe.