Box Score (PDF)

FAIRFAX, Va.– The George Mason University men's basketball team (2-2) led by four with 31 seconds to play, but two clutch 3-pointers from Central Michigan in the closing moments pushed the Chippewas past the Patriots, 70-69, on Wednesday night.
 
With GM ahead 68-64, CMU's Kyler VanderJagt banked home a three to move the Chippewas within one with 15 seconds left. CMU fouled, and Mason hit 1-of-2 free throws.
 
The Patriots then turned the ball over on the ensuing possession, giving CMU the ball with 13 seconds to go. Woody Newton blocked the first Chippewas shot attempt, but the rebound went right to Damarion Bonds, who nailed a 3 with less than two seconds remaining.
 
"Their game plan was just tougher and more together," head coach Tony Skinn ('06) said. "I felt if we didn't change our approach after [Monday's] 38-point win over Stony Brook, tonight would be a challenge. If we won this game, I would've been ecstatic. But we didn't deserve to win and that's what happens."
 
The Patriots shot 40.8 percent for the game, but made 5-of-20 (.250) attempts from deep and turned it over 14 times. Central Michigan converted 10 3-pointers on the other end and turned Mason's miscues into a +5 (19-14) edge in points off turnovers for the game.
 
Senior Darius Maddox led the Patriots with 15 points, while senior Jared Billups added 13 points (4-8 FG), a game-high nine rebounds and three assists.
 
Seniors Woody Newton and K.D. Johnson chipped in 10 points each for the Green & Gold.
 
The Chippewas led by three (36-33) at the half and by as many as seven in the second half. GM limited CMU to 33.3 percent (11-33) shooting in the second stanza to get back to square and eventually take the lead in the final minutes, before CMU's late heroics helped the visitors escape with the win.
 
The Patriots hit the road for a Saturday contest at AAC foe East Carolina. Tip-off between the Patriots and Pirates is set for 4 p.m. in Greenville, N.C.