Box Score (PDF)

FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University men's basketball team continued its outstanding play of late with a methodical 76-64 victory over AAC opponent Tulane on Saturday inside EagleBank Arena.
 
The Patriots earned their fifth win in a row with their usual formula of relentless defense and versatile offensive execution.
 
The Green & Gold held the Green Wave to just 34.6 percent (9-26) shooting in the first half to build a sizable 45-27 lead at the break. GM also controlled the defensive glass while holding a +9 (37-28) rebounding advantage against the 33^rd-largest team in the nation.
 
"I'm really proud of this team," head coach Tony Skinn ('06) said. "There was a point in time early in the season where if they didn't stick together, we could've really been divided, starting out 2-3 and losing two games by two total points. Sometimes that flushes you. For these guys to respond by winning five in a row, I'm proud of them."
 
George Mason shot 43.6 percent (24-55) on the day and knocked down 8-of-40 3-point attempts on the day. The Patriots also held advantages in points in the paint (30-18) and points off turnovers (17-12) while turning 10 offensive boards into a 16-9 edge in second chance points.
 
Four Patriots scored in double figures in the win, led by junior Brayden O'Connor, who tallied a season-best 17 points while tieing a career high with seven field goals made on just 10 attempts (.700). He also dished out four assists and grabbed four rebounds in 35 minutes.
 
After missing Tuesday's game with an ankle injury, leading scorer Darius Maddox returned for George Mason and poured in 17 points (3-6 3pt FG, 6-6 FT) to go along with a season-best three assists.
 
Junior Jalen Haynes notched his second-straight double-double with 15 points and a season-best 12 rebounds. He's averaging 20 points over his past three contests.
 
Junior Giovanni Emejuru rounded out the double figure scorers with 10 points (4-6 FG) and three rebounds in just 17 minutes of work.
 
George Mason took its 18-point lead into the break (45-27) and despite improved play on both sides from Tulane in the second half, the Green Wave could not move closer than nine (63-54, 7:10) for the remainder of the contest.
 
George Mason now takes a competitive hiatus for final exams before returning to action on Tuesday, December 17. The Patriots will head to Durham, N.C., for a marquee road matchup at No. 9/9 Duke. Tip-off between the Patriots and Blue Devils inside Cameron Indoor Stadium is set for 7 p.m. The game will be televised on the ACC Network.