FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University men's basketball team (16-1, 4-0 A-10) defended its Northern Virginia turf en route to an 86-80 victory over VCU (11-6, 2-2 A-10) Saturday afternoon before a raucous crowd of 6,370 inside EagleBank Arena.
For the second straight game, the Patriots blitzed their opponent with 60 percent shooting in the second half. The Patriots pounded the ball inside throughout the period and VCU could not stop the potent 2-point attack.
The victory is George Mason's first at home against the Rams since 2016.
"For this athletic program, our leadership and our players, even though it's VCU, it's just another game in conference play," head coach
Tony Skinn ('06) said. "I thought that poise and understanding carried us through. These guys were intentional, they listened, they fought. I'm super happy for them. As much as we had success last year with Team 59, as much as they talk about the Final Four Team, I just want everybody to understand how special Team 60 is."
Despite going 3-of-14 (.214) from 3pt range, the Patriots proved exceptionally efficient inside the arc while going 28-of-41 (.683). The team also made an important 21-of-24 (.875) attempts from the free throw line, including in clutch time and during some critical 1-and-1's midway through the second stanza.
Although the Patriots have been known for their trademark balance all season long, Saturday proved to be one of the best examples of the season. Five Patriots scored at least 13 points, led by
Fatt Hill, who tallied 16 and made a season-best 10 free throws on 10 attempts. He also grabbed five rebounds and dished out two assists in 25 minutes.
Riley Allenspach added 16 points (7-8 FG) and three rebounds, while
Kory Mincy notched 15 points (5-9 FG, 2-4 3pt), five assists, three rebounds and 0 turnovers.
Jahari Long recorded all 14 points in the second half and dished out five assists with just one turnover, and
Masai Troutman rounded out the double figure scorers with 13 points (5-9 FG), four rebounds and two assists.
VCU led 19-15 at the 8:28 mark of the first half and 26-23 with 5:42 to go, but GMU closed the half by scoring seven of the final 10 points to take a 38-37 lead into the break.
The Rams opened the second half on a 7-0 run to go up six (44-38), but a 10-3 run by George Mason moved the Patriots back in front at 48-47. VCU retook the lead at 56-55 with 9:23 remaining, but this time, an 8-0 run by George Mason put the home team up seven (63-56) with 7:04 left.
The Patriots got the lead to nine (75-66) and VCU could not move closer than five for the remainder of the game.
Next up, George Mason heads to the Windy City for a Tuesday night contest at Loyola Chicago. Tip-off against the Ramblers is set for 7 p.m. (ET). The game will be broadcast nationally on CBS Sports Network.
