Jan. 21, 2005

George Mason takes on long-standing rival James Madison Saturday in Harrisonburg, Va. at 7 p.m. The Patriots (7-8, 2-4 CAA) are below .500 for the first time since 2002-03 and hope to snap a three-game losing streak in the conference with a win against the Dukes (3-11, 1-5 CAA). Mason's next victory gives head coach Jim Larranaga a school record 131st win at Mason.

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James Madison, which has lost two straight contests and 11 of its last 12, picked up its first and only CAA win this season on Jan. 12 against league cellar-dweller William & Mary.

James Madison leads George Mason in the all-time series, 48-26. The Patriots basketball relationship with the Dukes is the longest standing rivalry for George Mason. The two teams have met at least once every season since 1967.

Saturday's contest is the 23rd meeting at the JMU Convocation Center between these two teams where the Patriots are 8-14 against the Dukes. Mason is 9-26 overall in Harrisonburg and has lost two straight contests at the Convo. Center.

James Madison topped George Mason 72-64 in overtime last season at the Convo. Center, preventing a season sweep for the Patriots who defeated the Dukes 74-70 in Fairfax earlier in the year.

In the overall series, Mason has dropped three of the last four contests against the Dukes after winning six straight games and eight of the previous nine meetings.

JMU won both matches in 2002-03 for their first season sweep of the Patriots since 1998.