FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University men's basketball team (6-3) shot over 62 percent for the floor for the first time since 2017 Tuesday night en route to a 74-52 victory over UNC Asheville (3-4) inside EagleBank Arena.
 
The win is the Patriots' fourth straight heading into a big matchup with AAC foe Tulane on Saturday in Fairfax.
 
On Tuesday night, the Patriots made a blistering 62.8 percent (27-43) of their attempts and dominated the glass against an outstanding rebounding team in Asheville. The Bulldogs entered the contest 25^th nationally in offensive rebounding (14.5/game), but the Patriots limited the visitors to just seven offensive boards and held a +16 (36-20) overall edge on the glass.
 
Senior Jalen Haynes continued his torrid play of late while pouring in his first double-double in a Patriot uniform. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., product tallied a season-best 25 points on an efficient 12-of-15 shooting performance while notching 10 rebounds in 27 minutes. He is now averaging 22.5 points over the past two games.
 
Senior Woody Newton added 11 points (4-6 FG) in 25 minutes, while junior Giovanni Emejuru tallied 10 points and seven rebounds.
 
Junior Brayden O'Connor dished out a game-high five assists and finished with nine points (2-4 3pt) and three steals.
 
GM continued its top-20 defensive field goal prowess Tuesday while holding the Bulldogs to 38.5 percent and a 4-of-17 mark (.235) from deep. Mason also forced 15 Asheville turnovers. Despite committing 18 miscues in the game offensively, just four of those turnovers came in the second half for the Patriots. Mason won that stanza, 40-26.
 
GM led 34-26 at the half and never trailed by less than that in the second half.
 
The victory improves the Patriots to 4-0 when shooting 50 percent or better from the floor this season.
 
George Mason hosts Tulane on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Fairfax. It's Holidayfest, so the first 1300 fans will receive a free roll of GM wrapping paper.