Box Score (PDF)

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The George Mason University men's basketball team utilized its trademark defense to give itself a chance on an off-shooting night, but the Patriots couldn't quite get over the hump in a 54-49 setback to Charlotte Sunday night in the Jacksonville Classic.
 
In a slow-paced, deliberate affair, the Patriots held the 49ers to just 37 percent shooting and a 4-of-14 mark (.286) from 3pt range. But on the other end, Mason could muster just 33.3 percent (16-48) and a 5-of-18 (.278) performance from deep.
 
The Patriots trailed by only one possession for the final 2:30, but could not convert the key baskets to come out on top.
 
"I knew in this type of atmosphere, the tougher team would win the game," head coach Tony Skinn ('06), "I knew if we didn't come out with the grit it takes to set the tone early, it was going to be a dog fight. We still had chances down the stretch, but we just didn't execute. We have to flip the page. We are fortunate we have the opportunity to redeem ourselves Monday."
 
Sophomore Keyshawn Hall continued his torrid pace of late to pace the Green & Gold. The Cleveland, Ohio, product notched a team-best 18 points, grabbed eight rebounds and converted all six of his field goal attempts in 33 minutes of work. He's averaging 23.5 points and 10.0 rebounds over his past two games.
 
Senior Darius Maddox added 13 points and a game-high three steals, while graduate forward Amari Kelly notched 11 points and six rebounds.
 
Charlotte held a 22-16 edge in interior scoring and turned 12 Mason miscues into a +4 (14-10) advantage in second chance points.
 
The 49ers jumped out to a 16-8 advantage and led 21-11 at the 6:50 mark of the first half. Mason responded with an 11-2 spurt to move back within one (23-22). The 49ers took a 25-22 lead into the break.
 
Coming out of the break, the Patriots surged in front by three (30-27) on the strength of a 6-0 run. Charlotte answered with a 7-0 run of its own to go back up five at 39-34. Five-straight points from Maddox cut the 49er lead to one (42-41) and Mason trailed by that margin (48-47) after a 3-pointer from Hall with 2:32 to go.
 
After Charlotte converted a bucket to make it 50-47, Amari Kelly scored on the other end to move Mason back within one (50-49) with 29 seconds left. But Mason was unable to score on its final two possessions, as Charlotte held on for the victory.
 
The Patriots wrap up the Jacksonville Classic Monday night with a 6 p.m. contest vs. South Dakota State in St. Augustine.