March 18, 2004

George Mason NIT Game Notes vs. Austin Peay
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Fairfax, VA (March 18, 2004)--The George Mason Men's basketball team defeated the SEC's Tennessee Volunteers 58-55 last night at the Patriot Center in opening round action of the NIT. The Patriots advance and will meet the Governors from Austin Peay on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Patriot Center.

The victory gave the Patriots (22-9) a school record for wins in a season. In the fourth post-season appearance as Mason's head coach, Coach Larranaga earns his first post-season victory. Mason last won a post-season game in the 1986 NIT, a 65-63 victory over Lamar. Mason then lost in the next round to Providence 90-71.

Austin Peay held on for a 65-59 victory in the opening round of the NIT last night at home, extending their home winning streak to 29 games. The Governors (22-9) went 16-0 in the Ohio Valley Conference claiming the regular season championship, but lost to Murray State in the Finals of the conference tournament.

Tickets for Friday's first round NIT game will go on sale to George Mason season ticket holders on Thursday, March 18th at 10:00 AM. All ticket sales including season ticket holders will go through TicketMaster. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 19th at 10:00 AM. For season ticket holders all tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No priority will be given. Ticket prices are $13 for reserved, $8 general admission and $4 for George Mason students. To order your tickets call TicketMaster at 703 573-SEAT, visit ticketmaster.com, or stop by the Patriot Center Box Office. TicketMaster is open from 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

For More Information, contact Maureen Nasser at George Mason's Sports Information Office at (703) 993-3263.