Rhode Island Edges George Mason in Thrilling A-10 Championship, Secures First Title in Program History (3-8-26)
By: Xavier Jones
Headline Photo Credit: Arturo Jones-LMS Network
Henrico, Va. — In a nail-biting finish that encapsulated the intensity of postseason basketball, the top-seeded Rhode Island Rams rallied from an early deficit to defeat the defending champion George Mason Patriots 53-51 in the 2026 Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship game on Sunday at the Henrico Sports & Events Center. The victory marked Rhode Island’s first-ever A-10 tournament title and punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1996, capping off a historic season with a program-record 28 wins.
Both teams entered the matchup as co-regular season champions, each boasting a 16-2 conference record. However, Rhode Island held the tiebreaker—and the No. 1 seed—thanks to a convincing 79-63 road win over George Mason on February 14 in Fairfax, Va., where Brooklyn Gray exploded for 30 points to lead the Rams. That earlier dominance set the stage for a rematch with high stakes: an automatic bid to March Madness and the chance for George Mason to become the first back-to-back A-10 champions since George Washington in 2015-16.
Path to the Final
Rhode Island (28-4 overall) navigated a challenging bracket to reach their second championship appearance in three years, having fallen to Richmond in the 2024 final. The Rams opened tournament play with a 71-64 quarterfinal win over No. 8 Loyola Chicago, followed by a gritty 55-46 semifinal victory against No. 4 Davidson. In the semis, sophomore center Albina Syla dominated with 22 points on 11-of-14 shooting and 14rebounds, showcasing the interior presence that would prove crucial in the title game.
George Mason (23-9), the No. 2 seed and 2025 A-10 champions, fought through dramatic battles to defend their crown. They survived an 87-85 overtime thriller against No. 7 Dayton in the quarterfinals, sealed by Louis Volker’s buzzer-beating layup. In the semifinals, the Patriots cruised past No. 3 Richmond 60-45, led by All-Conference First Team selections Kennedy Harris (22 points) and Zahirah Walton (20 points, seven rebounds). The win set up a clash with Rhode Island, marking the 15th all-time meeting between the programs, with the Rams holding an 8-7 edge after their regular-season triumph.
Game Breakdown: A Defensive Slugfest
The championship lived up to its billing as a low-scoring, physical affair, with both teams shooting under 40% from the field and combining for just 10 three-pointers. George Mason’s defense stifled Rhode Island early, holding the Rams to a dismal 7 points in the first quarter on 3-of-14 shooting. The Patriots built a 15-7 lead behind efficient scoring from Harris and Walton, who combined for 8 points in the period.
Rhode Island flipped the script in the second quarter, outscoring George Mason 17-10 to trail by just one at halftime (25-24). Gray ignited the comeback with clutch three-pointers, while Syla’s rebounding (already at 5 by the break) helped the Rams control the glass and limit second-chance opportunities for the Patriots. The half featured tenacious defense on both sides, with a combined 10 turnover and only 11 assists total for the game.
The third quarter belonged to Rhode Island, as they surged ahead with a 15-9 run to lead 39-34 entering the final frame. Syla and Palmire Mbu anchored the paint, combining for 6 points and 8 rebounds in the period, while Gray’s free-throw accuracy (she finished a perfect 8-for-8) kept the momentum swinging. George Mason struggled offensively, shooting just 3-of-13 from the field, but stayed in striking distance thanks to timely threes from Jazmyn Brown.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with George Mason mounting a furious 17-14 push to close the gap. Mary Amoateng emerged as a spark off the bench, scoring 7 of her team-high 13 points in the period, including a crucial three-pointer to pull within one late. Harris added 7 points in the quarter, knocking down key free throws (5-of-5 overall) to keep the Patriots alive. Rhode Island, however, held firm in the closing moments. Gray’s two free throws with under 10 seconds remaining sealed the 51-51 win after a missed desperation shot by Walton. The Rams’ edge at the charity stripe (13-of-17 vs. George Mason’s 7-of-7) proved decisive in the razor-thin margin.
Standout Performances
Brooklyn Gray was the hero for Rhode Island, pouring in a game-high 16 points on 3-of-7 shooting, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. Her flawless free-throw shooting and composure under pressure earned her tournament MVP honors. Albina Syla delivered another double-double threat with 9 points and 10 rebounds (3 offensive), adding 2 assists and a block while battling foul trouble. Palmire Mbu contributed 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, providing steady leadership in the front court.
For George Mason, Kennedy Harris led the charge with 15 points, though on 4-of-16 shooting, supplemented by 2 assists and a steal in 35 minutes. Mary Amoateng provided a bench boost with 13 points and 6 rebounds in 27 minutes, shooting 5-of-12 overall. Zahirah Walton battled through a tough shooting night (5-of-20) to finish with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, embodying the Patriots’ resilience. Jazmyn Brown chipped in 8 points and 3 assists, hitting 2-of-3 from deep.
Implications and Looking Ahead
This triumph not only ends Rhode Island’s 30-year NCAA drought but also highlights the program’s rapid rise under head coach Tammi Reiss. The Rams, who shared the regular-season title and received AP Top 25 votes for eight straight weeks, now boast a 17-game winning streak earlier in the season and four 21-win campaigns in the last five years. They’ll await their seeding and matchup during the NCAA Selection Show next Sunday, potentially as a mid-major powerhouse with upset potential.
George Mason, despite the heartbreak, finishes with a strong 23-9 record and could still earn an at-large bid or WNIT invitation. The loss snaps their bid for consecutive titles, but with stars like Harris and Walton returning, the Patriots remain a force in the A-10.
In a tournament where the higher seed prevailed in every game—a feat not seen since 2001—the 2026 edition will be remembered for Rhode Island’s coronation and the gritty, defensive masterclass that defined this championship clash.
