Ian Boyd and Greg Calixte have been starters during their George Mason careers. Now they may be more valuable to the Patriots as super subs.

   Boyd, a 6-foot-4 junior guard, and Calixte, a 6-foot-8 sophomore forward, plus other bench players have sparked the Patriots to their first 2-0 start in A-10 history, entering Wednesday's home conference game against Davidson.

   "The bench has been phenomenal," Mason coach Dave Paulsen said. "It gives us a boost. You need to have contributions off the bench."

   Boyd had 15 points and Calixte 10 in an 85-60 win at St. Joseph's last week as the Mason bench outscored the Hawks' reserves 30-8. In Sunday's 68-53 win against visiting St. Bonaventure, the Patriots had a 23-11 bench scoring advantage.

   Boyd had nine points, including a buzzer beating three-pointer for a 28-25 halftime lead, plus five rebounds against the Bonnies; Calixte had eight points and nine rebounds, four of them offensive.

   They weren't the only one with a hand in the win. Sophomore AJ Wilson had an important tip-in during the first half as the team was struggling offensively. Freshman Jamal Hartwell II nailed a crucial three pointer from the left corner in the second half in addition to providing a break for star point guard Otis Livingston II. 

   "The bench was huge for us," said Livingston II, who had 13 points against St. Bonaventure. "Those guys come to practice every day and work hard. We trust them just like the starters. They just play really hard for us."

    The bench has had to take on more responsibility due to the absence of starter Jaire Grayer, who has missed the last eight games due to a foot injury. Sophomore guard Javon Greene moved into a starting spot, meaning the team was losing scoring off the bench.

   Boyd has filled the void. In addition to scoring, he has provided rebounding, defense and energy.

   "I've embraced my role this year," Boyd said. "Coming off the bench seems to help the team a lot. I just want to come in and make hustle plays, do whatever I need to do."

     Last season Boyd was a master at crunch time heroics, hitting three consecutive buzzer beaters to win games at one point. This season he is needed more for instant offense. He's shooting a team leading 42.3 percent from beyond the arc.

   "It's probably the best I've ever shot the ball," Boyd said. "It feels good. I've been working on it a lot.'

    He, as well as others, get to practice early and stay afterwards, working on shooting.

   "He works his rear end off," Paulsen said.

     The 215-pounder and ex-high school football player, has also worked off some extra pounds. "He's rebuilt his body," Paulsen said. "He's moving better than ever."
   Calixte gives the Patriots an inside presence with his scoring, defense and rebounding.

   "Greg had a stretch where he wasn't playing much early in the year," Paulsen said. "He didn't mope; he didn't sulk. He just worked and worked and worked. He's been phenomenal. He kept us in the game (Sunday) night with his offensive rebounds."

   To keep winning during the A-10 campaign, the Patriots will need continued bench support.

   "The best thing about those guys is they just want the team to win," Paulsen said. "So, they're not worried about how much they play or their minutes or how many points they score.

   "Watch them on the bench. If someone makes a good play, they're the most excited. They're just awesome teammates."