Jan. 28, 2006
Box Score
The George Mason men's basketball team used an 18-2 first-half run to break open a two-point game and the Patriots' defense never relented, as Mason blew out Old Dominion on Saturday afternoon, crushing the Monarchs 66-47 in front of 6,627 fans.
The two teams came into the game tied for first place in the Colonial Athletic Association standings, along with UNC Wilmington, which also won on Saturday. Old Dominion had beaten Mason earlier in the year, 54-53 on a 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds remaining in the game. No heroics would be needed by either team on Saturday.
Mason (15-5, 9-2) made 75 percent of its shots in the first half while Old Dominion (15-6, 8-3) managed just 33 percent shooting while committing 11 turnovers. Leading 10-8 with 14:50 to go in the first half, the Patriots held Old Dominion without a field goal for a span of eight minutes and 13 seconds. During that time, the Monarchs managed just three free throws while committing five turnovers and shooting 0 of 7 from the field. On one possession, Lewis lost one of his shoes and Old Dominion All-America candidate Alex Loughton was still unable to convert.
Mason's run began behind a pair of Will Thomas free throws. The lead doubled when Jordan Carter drained a 3-pointer as the shot clock expired and he converted a free throw after being fouled on the play. Jai Lewis made a pair of free throws and sank a jumper and Thomas added a pair of baskets as Mason went up by 15.
Tony Skinn and Lewis each had field goals before Williamson sank a 3-pointer to break the Old Dominion drought.
Mason's defense didn't let up, though, as the Patriots continued to force turnovers, jumping into the passing lanes to produce easy scoring opportunities. The lead grew to 17, then 19, then 20, and finally, 23 at the half, 42-19.
Old Dominion caught a break in the second half as Mason finally cooled off. The Patriots made just 3 of their first 11 shots to start the second half. The Monarchs were unable to capitalize, however, as they made just 2 of their first 10 shots in the period as Mason was able to keep the lead at 18 or more through the entire second half.
Skinn and Thomas each had 16 points while the Mason defense held Loughton to two points on 1 of 5 shooting. Senior guard Isaiah Hunter was just 1 of 10 from the field for four points. Valdas Vasylius had 13 points and Williamson had 11 for Old Dominion.
Perhaps the most telling statistic for Old Dominion on Saturday was the fact that the Monarchs had more turnovers, 20, then field goals, 18.
Mason has now won 14 of 17 after a 1-2 start. The Patriots have held six teams this season to fewer than 50 points, a school record. The win was the 105th CAA victory of Mason head coach Jim Larranaga's career. The next victory will tie him for first all-time in CAA wins. Other milestones in the game were Lewis topping 1,300 points for his career and Skinn breaking the 900-point barrier.
Mason returns to action on Thursday when the Patriots travel to Delaware to take on the Blue Hens at 7:30 p.m.
