Nov. 28, 2007
The George Mason men's basketball team returns home on Thursday night after a strong showing last week in the Old Spice Classic in Orlando, Fla. The Patriots finished third place in the tournament taking a win over nationally-ranked Kansas State, a loss to nationally-ranked Villanova and a victory over South Carolina. Mason will face Drexel in a battle between the two teams with the best overall record in the Colonial Athletic Association. Both Mason and Drexel are 5-1 this year. The game starts at 7 p.m.
The Patriots enter Thursday night's game off to the best six-game start in school history. Mason was 5-1 one other time, in 1983-84. After opening the season 1-1, Mason won 11 straight that year en route to a 21-7 record.
Mason's Will Thomas was named to the Old Spice Classic All-Tournament Team after averaging 18.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He was 14 of 17 from the free throw line and made his first career 3-pointer in the process. He also earned his second straight Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Week award.
Two other Patriots had huge games against South Carolina. Freshman Cam Long had 13 points in 26 minutes as he connected on five field goals, two from 3-point range. He grabbed four rebounds, had five assists, one block and three steals. All of the aforementioned numbers were career highs. Sophomore Louis Birdsong also set a career high with 13 points, coming off the bench to go 6 for 7 from the field. He also had six rebounds and two blocks.
Mason has three players averaging double figures - Thomas, Folarin Campbell and John Vaughan. Drexel also has three players averaging in double figures. Frank Elegar leads the team with 16.0 points and 8.2 rebounds and is shooting 59.3 percent from the field. He also has 2.5 blocks per game. Tramayne Hawthorne is averaging 14.5 points and 4.3 assists while Gerald Colds is adding 11.3 points. Drexel's 5-1 start comes despite being outrebounded on the season. The Dragons are shooting 46.6 percent from the field.
There will be a food drive prior to the game and fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item. In exchange, they can get a discounted ticket for $6. The Capital Area Food Bank will distribute the food.
With class in session, fans are reminded that there may be heavy traffic around campus. General parking can be found in Lots J, K and A. Lot L is Patriot Club preferred parking only for Silver ($1,000 and up) annual donors. Overflow parking is in Sandy Creek Parking Deck. Specific game signage will be visible to direct patrons back and forth to the Patriot Center.
