The George Mason University men's basketball team continued its free fall by dropping games on the road at Richmond last Wednesday (86-69) and at home to James Madison (67-63) on Saturday.

The struggling Patriots (9-13 overall, 3-10 in the Colonial Athletic Conference) have now lost five straight games and nine of their last 11.

Richmond led, 34-28, at halftime, but went on an early second half run to put the Patriots away at the Robins Center. George Mason senior guard Nate Langley, held to just two points in the first half, scored 13 of his team high 15 points in the final 20 minutes. Langley, though, was just seven of 18 from the field and missed all six of his 3-point attempts. Patriots head coach Paul Westhead juggled his starting lineup, giving senior center Bernard Wanjara the call for the first time this season and allowing freshman swingman Leighton Henry his initial collegiate start.

Both responded.

Wanjara tied his career highs in points (12) and rebounds (eight), connecting on all five of his field goal attempts, and Henry grabbed a career best eight boards to go along with five points. Senior forward George Redd scored 12 points.

Richmond was led by Jarod Stevenson (16 points, game high 10 rebounds), Daryl Oliver (14 points), Rick Edwards (13) and Jonathan Baker (12).

Against rival James Madion, the Patriots battled back from a 14-point deficit (62-48) with 8:44 to play but came up short. George Mason went on a 15-3 run to close to within 65-63 on a Wanjara basket with 20.9 seconds to play. Junior forward Avery Carey stole the ensuing inbounds pass and the Patriots had a chance to win or tie. But senior guard Contrell Scott's 3-pointer missed its mark and Redd's follow shot was errant. The Dukes' Matt Milisia hit a pair of insurance free throws with 4.1 seconds to play for the final margin of 67-63.

Langley poured in 22 points, Wanjara recorded his first career "double-double" in a 10-point, career high 12-rebound performance and Carey added 10 points for George Mason.

Chatney Howard scored a game high 23 points to lead JMU while Charles Lott added 15 points and 10 rebounds.

"The last possession we got a steal and a good look (at the basket) but the ball didn't go in and that was the game," said Westhead.

James Madison head coach "Lefty" Driesell was effusive in his praise of Langley.

"There's no question about it, in my opinion he's the best player in the CAA."

George Mason begins a three-game road swing with a game at Alabama State on Wednesday, its final non-conference contest of the season.

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