FAIRFAX, Va. – Behind a monster 36-point, 12-rebound effort from sophomore Keyshawn Hall, the George Mason University men's basketball team knocked of Bridgewater (Va.) by the score of 84-60 on Tuesday night inside EagleBank Arena.
 
The victory improved the Green & Gold to an impressive 7-0 at home and 9-2 overall this season as Mason's excellent start to the season continues.
 
Hall's 36-point effort was just three off the building scoring record, set by Javon Greene in January 2020. It also marked the first 30+/10+ double-double by a Patriot since a 35-point, 14-rebound effort from Ryan Pearson in December 2011.
 
"The biggest thing for us is understanding how to be consistent with our effort and understanding a next man up mentality," head coach Tony Skinn ('06) said. "With guys being out, I thought we'd come out a little more fired up. Early on in the game, we didn't come out with that mentality. We were ultimately able to put it together and create some separation."
 
Mason led by 15 (41-26) at the half and by as many as 28 in the second stanza. The Patriots held a sizable +38 (52-14) edge in points in the paint for the game and shot a season-best 59.6 percent (31-52) from the floor.
 
With the Patriots missing regulars Darius Maddox, Amari Kelly and Malik Henry, freshman Baraka Okojie stepped up to tally a career-best 17 points in his first ever start. The Brampton, Ontario, product made 4-of-6 field goal attempts, knocked down 8-of-10 free throws and chipped in six rebounds and two assists.
 
Senior Woody Newton added eight points, seven rebounds and a career-best five blocks, while junior Jared Billups added eight points and eight rebounds in 33 minutes.
 
The Patriots continued their outstanding defensive start to the season against the Eagles. Mason limited Bridgewater to just 30.9 percent (21-68) for the game and 27.3 percent from 3pt range.
 
The Patriots now head to New Orleans for a Friday afternoon battle with AAC foe Tulane (8-2). Tip-off between the Patriots and Green Wave is set for 2 p.m. (ET). The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.