Box Score (PDF)

FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason University men's basketball team dropped its final game of the non-conference schedule to Norfolk State, 68-65, on Saturday inside EagleBank Arena.

Mason led by 13 (56-43) with 9:40 to play, but a bevy of unforced turnovers and poor free throw shooting allowed Norfolk State to get back into the game and ultimately complete the comeback.

"You can't win games if you can't take care of the ball and make free throws," head coach Dave Paulsen said. "That was really disappointing. We didn't have the composure we needed today."

The Patriots committed 13 of their 17 turnovers in the second half and shot under 60 percent from the free throw line for the third-straight game (9-17, .529).

Mason also struggled from beyond the arc, where they connected on 6-of-31 attempts (.194).

Five of those 3-pointers came from freshman Tyler Kolek, who poured in a career-best 19 points go along with five rebounds and a personal-best four assists in 35 minutes on the floor. The freshman leads Mason in 3-point field goals made this season and is second on the team in assists.

Sophomore Josh Oduro added a near double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds, while sophomore Bahaïde Haïdara notched career bests in points (8), rebounds (9) and minutes (15) while putting forth outstanding hustle all game long.

Senior Javon Greene added nine points, three assists and four steals in 25 minutes.

Norfolk State led by nine (24-15) at the 7:08 mark of the first half, but Mason closed the stanza on a 15-3 run to take a 30-27 edge into the break.

A 13-0 run by the Patriots ballooned the lead to 17 (51-34) with 14:06 left and Mason was up 56-43 after a Kolek 3-pointer with 9:40 to go.

Norfolk State rocketed back to within four  (59-55) with 6:42 to go and took the lead at 64-63 with 2:24 to play.

Mason went back in front (65-64) at the 1:47 mark, but Mason would not score again as the Spartans held on for the win.

The Patriots open A-10 play on Wednesday (December 30) at UMass. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.