FAIRFAX, Va. — George Mason University (6-5, 1-0 Atlantic 10) fell to Liberty University (6-2, 0-0 CUSA), 74-73, in a tightly contested matchup at EagleBank Arena. Despite the loss,
MJ Johnson scored a career-high 25 points.
The Green & Gold opened the game strong, utilizing a balanced offensive attack to take an early lead.
MJ Johnson and
Kennedy Harris were instrumental, each contributing crucial three-pointers that bolstered the team's momentum. Their defense also played a key role, turning a steal by
Hawa Komara into a scoring opportunity that extended their advantage. Liberty responded with efforts in the paint, but the Patriots maintained their edge through effective ball movement, resulting in seven assists on their 12 field goals. The home team concluded the first quarter ahead, leading 30-20.
George Mason maintained a narrow lead early in the second quarter, with Johnson's layup at 9:31 making it 32–22. Liberty responded with a strong run, closing the gap and tying the game at 38 with a three-pointer by Avery Mills at 1:43. In the final seconds,
Sara Blair made a crucial free throw to give the Green & Gold a slim edge, concluding the quarter ahead 39–38.
The Patriots seized momentum with a series of critical plays in the third quarter, highlighted by Johnson's 3-pointer at 9:35, assisted by
Zahirah Walton, which gave the home team a two-point edge.
Louis Volker further propelled the team by hitting back-to-back 3-pointers, the first at 1:37 and the next at 1:07, extending the lead to four points. In the final minute,
Jada Brown's two free throws at 20 seconds sealed the scoring for George Mason, countering Liberty's late jumper. The quarter concluded with the Patriots leading 58–54.
In the final quarter, the Green & Gold seized control with a series of defensive plays and timely baskets. Komara's steal at 8:02 led to a fastbreak 3-pointer by Volker, putting George Mason ahead 61–59. Johnson extended the lead with a jumper at 6:29, followed by a 3-pointer at 5:39, creating a 68–59 advantage. Despite Liberty's late surge, including a tying 3-pointer by Mills with eight seconds remaining, George Mason briefly regained the lead with Walton's tip-in at 0:59. However, Liberty clinched the win with a final free throw by Mills as the game ended 74–73 in favor of Liberty.
PATRIOT POINTS
UP NEXT
The Patriots host the Princeton Tigers in their final game before the winter holiday on Saturday, December 20 at 1 p.m. at EagleBank Arena. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
