The George Mason men's basketball team split a pair of games last week, upsetting Long Beach State, 78-70, on Tues., Dec. 10, before bowing at Ohio State, 102-72, on Saturday.

The Patriots are now 4-2.

Senior guard Nate Langley continuted his sizzling early season performance against the 49ers. He scored 26 points, including four 3-pointers, and tied his career and school record with eight steals. Langley added seven rebounds and five assists in the victory.

Junior guard Demetrius Somerville added 19 points, including five 3-pointers, and five assists while senior forward George Redd recorded his first "double-double" of the season in a 12-point, 13-rebound performance.

The Patriots withstood a pair of fine performances from Long Beach State stars James Cotton and Brian Yankelevitz. Cotton scored 24 points while Yankelevitz added 14 points and 11 rebounds. George Mason made 26 of 61 from the field for 42.6 percent while Long Beach State was 28 of 63 from the floor for 44.4 percent. The 49ers owned a 45-30 rebounding edge.

In Columbus, Ohio State ran out to a 29-10 lead midway through the first half and was never threatened. The normally reliable Langley was held to just 12 points on four of 17 field goals. The Buckeyes won their third straight game in the series as all five starters hit for double figures.

Ohio State won the game from the outside and on the boards. The Buckeyes were 41 of 76 from the field for 53.9 percent and dominated the rebounding totals, 48-32.

Junior Avery Carey led the Patriots with 16 points and also added six rebounds. Senior guard Contrell Scott chipped in 13 points and four assists. Redd was the team's top rebounder with seven. The Patriots made only 26 of 68 field goals for 38.2 percent in their first road game of the year.

"To Ohio State's credit, they were good getting to the glass," said George Mason head coach Paul Westhead. "We used a zone because we didn't think they were good shooters but they made enough to keep us honest. We didn't do a good job blocking out and they were persistent on the boards."

The Patriots return home for a pair of games this week. They host St. Francis College of Pennsylvania on Fri., Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on Sun., Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. For tickets call 993-3270.

Men's Basketball Contact: Jim Engelhardt (993-3269)