FAIRFAX, Va.  - The George Mason University men's basketball team returned from a 23-day hiatus to pick up a 68-66 victory over VMI Monday afternoon inside EagleBank Arena.

The Patriots shook off some early rust and a 15-point first half deficit, using a 33-12 run to take control of the game. Mason led by 8-11 points for much of the late minutes, but a poor day at the line (9-21) and late 3-pointer from the Keydets cut the final margin to just two.

After battling a sore ankle in Mason's opening tournament in DC, redshirt-senior AJ Wilson returned to form Monday, pouring in game highs in point (22) and rebounds (10) to record the eighth double-double of his career. Wilson also notched four blocks on the day.

Freshman Tyler Kolek added career highs in points (11) and steals (5), while junior Jamal Hartwell II chipped in eight points and made 2-of-3 3-point attempts. Sophomore Xavier Johnson added a team-high five assists.

Mason limited the Keydets to just 39.6 percent shooting (21-53) on the day, but VMI held a +8 edge (17-9) in made free throws. VMI ranked in the top-20 nationally with 12 3-pointers made per game, but Mason limited the Keydets to seven for the contest.

VMI led 30-15 with 5:15 to play in the opening half, before the Patriots scored 16 of the final 20 points of the stanza to trail by just three at the half (34-31). That run included a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Kolek heading into the break.

The run extended to 33-12, capped by a Hartwell II jumper, to make the score 52-44 in favor of the Patriots with 10:27 to play. Mason had the lead to 11 (61-50) with 6:47 to go, but the poor free throw shooting allowed the Keydets to make it close in the end.

The Patriots were without leading scorer Jordan Miller (20.0 ppg), as well as freshmen Otis Frazier III and Malik Henry in the contest.

Mason returns to action Wednesday with a 4 p.m. contest vs. Towson inside EagleBank Arena.