FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University men's basketball team started off its two-game exhibition slate with a defensive-minded, 64-52 triumph over NAIA power St. Thomas (Fla.) on Monday night inside EagleBank Arena.
 
George Mason showcased its signature Patriot Pressure from the start while holding the Bobcats, who won 26 games last season, to 28.6 percent shooting and just a 2-of-21 (.095) mark from inside the arc. The Patriots turned seven steals and 18 Bobcat turnovers into a +8 edge in points off turnovers for the game.
 
"I scheduled this game for a reason, because I wanted to put our guys out in this environment [rather than a closed scrimmage]," head coach Tony Skinn ('06) said. "St. Thomas has a tradition of very good players. For our group of brand-new guys to be the team we want to be, it requires us to be challenged. I think, overall, this was a great effort by our team."
 
Mason shot 60 percent (18-30) from inside the arc and shook off a 4-of-18 (.222) shooting night from 3-point range by locking in on defense and holding a commanding +30 (32-2) advantage in points in the paint.
 
Three Patriots reached double figures, led by senior Darius Maddox. The Bowie, Md., product tallied team highs in points (13) and minutes (34) to go along with four rebounds and two assists.
 
Freshman point guard Baraka Okojie shined with 12 points (5-6 FG), three rebounds and two assists, while senior Ronald Polite III chipped in 11 points and made 3-of-4 3-point attempts.
 
Skinn has preached the team's depth as a strength throughout the preseason and that balanced roster was showcased Monday. In all, 11 players took the court while the Patriots held a +19 edge (27-8) in bench scoring.
 
George Mason led by as many as 12 (25-13) in the first half and utilized an 18-0 surge in the second stanza to build a 52-30 advantage with 11:56 to play.
 
The Patriots wrap up their exhibition slate Friday night with a contest at Big 12 foe West Virginia. The 7 p.m. contest in Morgantown will be broadcast on ESPN+.