Box Score (PDF)
FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University men's basketball team (16-5, 7-1) continued its late game magic Wednesday night in EagleBank Arena during a gutsy, 58-53 victory over Loyola Chicago (12-8, 3-4) in overtime.
The win is George Mason's sixth-straight and improves the Patriots to 7-1 in A-10 play for just the second time in program history. GM's 16-5 start is the Patriots' best since 2011-12.
George Mason led 49-42 with 4:13 remaining in regulation, but Loyola Chicago stormed back with a 7-0 run to tie the game at 49-49. But in overtime, the Green & Gold shut the Ramblers down while holding Loyola to 0-of-8 from the field. The Patriots were +5 (9-4) in the extra session to hang on for the victory.
The win gives George Mason a one-game lead over VCU and Saint Louis for first place in the Atlantic 10 standings.
"A win is a win," head coach Tony Skinn ('06) said. "I'm not happy about certain things, but at the end of the day, we found a way. I'm happy with the [victory]."
Despite shooting 34.4 percent from the floor, 15 percent from 3-point range and 50 percent from the line, the Green & Gold withstood the Ramblers on the strength of another elite defensive effort.
George Mason held Loyola Chicago to just 32.1 percent (18-56) and 21.4 percent (6-28) from beyond the arc.
GM also committed just seven turnovers and held a sizable +14 (19-5) edge in points off turnovers for the game. The Patriots are now a perfect 7-0 when committing fewer miscues than their opponent.
Senior
Jalen Haynes led the Patriots with 14 points, six rebounds, two blocks and two steals, while senior
Jared Billups added 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Freshman
Justin Begg provided a spark off the bench with 10 points (4-6 FG, 2-2 3pt), while senior
K.D. Johnson came up huge late, with all eight of his points at the end of regulation and overtime. His key steal and bucket in the extra session broke a 53-53 tie with 54 seconds left and propelled the Green & Gold to victory.
The win improves George Mason to 13-1 at home this season and 27-4 inside EagleBank Arena under head coach Tony Skinn. It's Mason's second overtime victory in the last three contests. GM has won 14 of its past 16 games.
Next up, George Mason hits the road for the second of two matchups with Davidson this season. Tip-off on Saturday (Feb. 1) between the Patriots and Wildcats is set for 4 p.m. inside Belk Arena. The contest will be broadcast on ESPN+.
