By MarQuan Stith
GoMason.com Staff Writer

FAIRFAX, Va. - In their Atlantic 10 conference battle versus Massachusetts, the George Mason men's basketball team saw contributions from all over the floor in their 73-63 victory over the Minutemen on Wednesday night.
 

Junior Javon Greene scored 30-plus points for the second straight game, while freshman Xavier Johnson notched 11 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out three assists in 37 minutes of work. 

Of the performances, freshman Josh Oduro's game clearly stood out. Oduro had a career night against the Minutemen, scoring a career high 11 points (5-7 FG) along with bringing in four rebounds in 27 minutes of play. 

A turning point in the contest came with 5 minutes left in the second half. The forward stepped up and made clutch back-to-back field goals from mid-range, which started the Patriots on a 10-1 run. That run helped to put the nail in the coffin.

"My teammates got me the ball when I had the open looks and I did the same for them down the stretch," Oduro said of his two buckets on consecutive possessions.

The freshman discussed how the game didn't come any different to him, despite having a career night. Oduro thanked his teammates for executing the game plan and how he was able to capitalize on crucial possessions.

With the Patriots being undermanned due to significant injuries, Oduro has had an important role early in his career in Fairfax, starting seven games this season with 74 total points, 11 blocks and 62 rebounds. Down the stretch, Oduro will be a key cog in Mason's success in 2020.

"Massachusetts is a good squad and we really needed this win," Oduro said. "This tough victory can be a turning point in our season this year."

The freshman forward and the Patriots look to keep the ball rolling as they travel to Davidson for another A-10 conference showdown on Saturday, Jan. 25.