WASHINGTON, D.C. – George Mason wrestling battled American University down to the final bouts Thursday night at Bender Arena, but a late pin by the Eagles proved decisive as the Patriots fell 20-18 in a tightly contested dual.

The Patriots (3-1) held leads of 7-3 and 11-6 behind strong performances from their lightweights and a dominant major decision from No. 20 Kaden Cassidy, but bonus points for American at 157 and 165 swung the momentum before the dramatic finish at 184 and 197 pounds.

American got on the board first with a decision at heavyweight. The Patriots responded with two wins at the lightweights. Ben Monn got Mason on the board with a 1-0 decision that evened the dual at 3-3. Anthony Lucchiani followed with a commanding 13-2 major decision.

After American responded at 141, No. 20 Kaden Cassidy delivered a strong performance, rolling to a 13-1 major decision over Gage Owen to extend Mason's lead to 11-6. Cassidy controlled every position, piling up points and keeping American off balance throughout the match.

At 174 pounds, Logan Messer continued Mason's push, wrestling with discipline and pace in a 4-0 shutout of Hunter Hohman. His win tied the dual at 14-14 and set up a critical stretch in the upper weights.

AU's No. 27 Caleb Campos earned a fall against the Patriots Jack Kelly to take a six-point lead into the final bout.

The Patriots closed the night with a strong showing from Malachi DuVall who moved up a weight to the 197-pound class and dominated with a 12-2 major decision over Caleb Close, pulling the Patriots back within two—but just short of the comeback victory.

Final Score
American 20, George Mason 18
Match Results
285 – Emmanuel Ulrich (AU) dec. Herbert Billups (GMU), 4-2; AU leads 3-0
125 – Ben Monn (GMU) dec. Coen Bainey (AU), 1-0; Tied 3-3
133 – Anthony Lucchiani (GMU) major dec. Colin Martin (AU), 13-2; Mason leads 7-3
141 – Raymond Lopez (AU) dec. Tate Hisey (GMU), 8-1; Mason leads 7-6
149 – #20 Kaden Cassidy (GMU) major dec. Gage Owen (AU), 13-1; Mason leads 11-6
157 – Kaden Milhiem (AU) major dec. Thomas Stofka (GMU), 12-4; Mason leads 11-10
165 – Austin Craft (AU) major dec. Jackson Albert (GMU), 12-3; AU leads 14-11
174 – Logan Messer (GMU) dec. Hunter Hohman (AU), 4-0; Tied 14-14
184 – Caleb Campos (AU) fall Jack Kelly (GMU), 3:39; AU leads 20-14
197 – #21 Malachi DuVall (GMU) major dec. Caleb Close (AU), 12-2; AU wins 20-18

Up Next: The Patriots travel to Ithaca, NY to participate in the Big Red Open on Sunday.