For the fourth time this season George Mason won a game by four points or less. The latest was a 55-52 win over Rhode Island on Wednesday night.

The Rams had a chance to tie it at the end of the game, but Nikola Malesevic missed a three-pointer.

The win was an ugly one for the Patriots, as they shot 37.5 percent from the field and had 15 turnovers. A 41-26 rebounding advantage gave George Mason the extra chances they would need.

Sherrod Wright was the only George Mason player in double figures, as he finished with 14 points. Erik Copes had 8 points and 11 rebounds for the Patriots.

Xavier Munford led all scorers with 24 points in defeat for Rhode Island.

George Mason now has a 5-2 record and has shown a knack for winning close games. Four days ago, the Patriots knocked off Boston University, 48-45, in another ugly, low-scoring game.

The Patriots should face a much tougher test when they play Maryland on Sunday.