FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University men's basketball team used a superb defensive effort to power a 96-41 exhibition victory over St. Mary's (Md.) Sunday afternoon in EagleBank Arena.
 
In the team's final tuneup before the regular season, the Patriots held the Seahawks to just 25.5 percent shooting (14-55) for the game and turned 24 visiting team turnovers into a 34-6 edge in points off turnovers. George Mason used its relentless Patriot Pressure to tally 18 steals in the contest.
 
On the other end of the floor, the Green & Gold held a sizable 58-12 edge in points in the paint and shot 66.7 percent from 2-point range. The GMU bench also outscored the Seahawk reserves, 49-25.
 
Four Patriots scored in double figures, led by sophomore Emmanuel Kanga, who notched 14 points (7-9 FG), nine rebounds, three steals and three assists in just 18 minutes.
 
Junior Makhai Valentine added 13 points (5-8 FG) while sophomore Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor registered 10 points and four steals.
 
Senior Malik Presley chipped in an impressive line of 10 points, seven rebounds, four steals and three assists in 20 minutes of action.
 
Senior Baraka Okojie dished out a game-high six assists and added eight points in 23 minutes of action.
 
George Mason opens the 2026-27 regular season on Monday, November 2 at 4 p.m. vs. UMBC. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.