Box Score (PDF)

FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University men's basketball team could not withstand a potent offensive attack by George Washington during a 78-75 setback to the Colonials Monday afternoon inside EagleBank Arena.
 
The Colonials shot 54.8 percent in the second half and turned a five-point halftime lead (30-25) into an advantage as large as 11 (74-63) with 4:32 left. Mason used a furious 12-3 run to move within two (77-75) with 1:11 to go, but the Patriots could not get a bucket on their final possession and GW hung on for the win.
 
"This is a disappointing loss," head coach Kim English said. "We have a ton of respect for GW's team. It was a game we did not want it to be. They're the best offense in the A-10. If you try to outscore them, they can beat anybody. We didn't get our process done."
 
The Patriots shot 57.7 percent (15-26) in the second half and made 5-of-9 3-pointers (.556). But unforced turnovers haunted the Green & Gold throughout the game. Mason's 17 total turnovers led to a +6 (17-11) edge in points off turnovers for the Colonials. GW also held a 17-6 advantage in fast break points.
 
Junior Ronald Polite III led George Mason with 19 points (6-11 FG), seven rebounds and four assists in 34 minutes.
 
Senior Josh Oduro – who was named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Week earlier in the day - tallied 17 points, nine rebounds and four assists in 37 minutes.
 
Elsewhere, graduate guard DeVon Cooper notched eight points, four rebounds and three assists, while freshman Justyn Fernandez added eight points (2-5 3pt FG).
 
The loss marks Mason's first at home this season (10-1).
 
George Mason returns to action Saturday with a contest at Rhode Island. Tip-off in Kingston is scheduled for 12 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.