The George Mason University men's basketball team dropped its last three games to fall to 9-11 overall, 3-8 in the Colonial Athletic Association.

On Wed., Jan. 29, the Patriots fell, 90-77, to Virginia Commonwealth in Richmond. That loss was followed by an 85-81 setback to league-leading East Carolina last Saturday and an 81-61 loss to North Carolina Wilmington on Monday evening, both at home.

Senior guard Nate Langley scored a career high 35 points in the game against VCU. He hit 13 of 28 field goals, including five 3-pointers, and made four of seven free throws. Langley also tied his career high with nine rebounds. He was backed by 11 points from junior forward Avery Carey and a career high 10 points from freshman guard Ahmad Dorsett.

"Langley is the best player in this conference, everybody knows it and tonight he proved it," said VCU head coach Sonny Smith.

Smith's team was led by Patrick Lee, who scored 31 points and hit seven of his squad's 10 3-pointers in a decisive long range performance.

George Mason senior forward George Redd was the game's top point producer against East Carolina, hitting for 26 points. Carey had 18 points and seven rebounds while Langley added 19 points and five assists.

Jonathan Kerner and Raphael Edwards each scored 17 points to lead five players in double figures for the Pirates.

The Patriots were held to a season low point total in the loss to UNC Wilmington. Langley led the offensive effort with 22 points and added seven rebounds. Carey had 13 points and five boards as the Patriots were once again victimized by their opponents red hot outside shooting. The Seahawks connected on 11 of 19 3-pointers and made 33 of 62 field goals for 53.2 percent in amassing their season high point output.

"They became very comfortable in the second half," said George Mason head coach Paul Westhead. "When you get a lead the shots become easier. The pace of the game was OK for us, we just couldn't stop people."

Stan Simmons scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead UNC Wilmington while Billy Donlon hit six of 10 field goals en route to 17 points as the Seahawks won for the sixth time in their last seven games.

Seahawks head coach Jerry Wainwright decided to let Langley loose and attempt to stop others.

"Nate Langley had a great game at our place," he said, "and we came to the conclusion that he's just going to be difficult to stop. So we decided to concentrate on the other four guys."

George Mason plays at Richmond on Wednesday.

For tickets call (703) 993-3270.

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