The George Mason University men's basketball team snapped a three-game losing streak in a thrilling 98-86 overtime win over Richmond on Jan. 15, before bowing, 84-75, at American University last Saturday.
The Patriots are 8-8 overall, 2-5 in the Colonial Athletic Association.
George Mason rallied from a 16-point second half deficit against the Spiders and outscored their visitors, 14-2, in overtime, for the win. Richmond led, 62-46, early in the second half before the Patriots went on a 38-22 run in the last 18:25 of the second half. The Patriots ended matters with a 9-0 run in the last 2:08 of overtime.
Senior guard Nate Langley and junior forward Avery Carey each scored 26 points to pace the Patriots. Carey tied his career high point total and also pulled down eight rebounds. Senior guard Contrell Scott added a career best 20 points while senior forward George Redd scored 10 points and grabbed a career high 14 rebounds and sophomore center Nik Mirich had 10 points and a career best 13 boards.
A strong second half defensive effort aided in the win. Richmond scored 60 points in the first half but was held to just 26 points in the second half and overtime. George Mason shot 46.8 percent from the field and owned a commanding 58-35 rebounding advantage.
Against American, the Patriots were victimized by the hot outside shooting of Eagles junior guard Nathan Smith. Smith tied a CAA record with nine 3-pointers (in only 13 attempts) and scored a career high 30 points.
George Mason trailed, 43-34, at half but went on an 8-0 run to pull to within 43-42 on a steal and layup by Scott with 17:56 remaining. American, however, went on a 17-6 run over the next 6:02 to take a 60-48 edge on a pair of Jarion Childs free throws with 11:54 to go.
Langley led George Mason with 25 points, Scott added 15 points and seven assists and Redd scored all 12 of his points in the second half to go with a team high nine rebounds.
Jamaine Epps added a career high 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for AU.
The Patriots are off until they host William and Mary on Sat., Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Patriot Center.
For tickets call (703) 993-3270.
Men's Basketball Contact: Jim Engelhardt (993-3269)