The George Mason Patriots picked up their 20th win of the season and improved to 12-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association after defeating Hofstra 72-62 at the Patriot Center Wednesday night.

Ryan Pearson led Mason with 16 points, while Sherrod Wright scored 12 off the bench. Wright's contributions were particularly vital as the sophomore hit a three-pointer with 5:17 left to play to give George Mason a 57-56 lead, which they never relinquished. In all, eight of Wright's 12 points came in the final 5:17 as the Patriots closed the game on an 18-6 run.

Hofstra's Mike Moore led all scorers with 18 points, while Nathaniel Lester added 14 for the Pride, whose record dropped to 8-18 overall and 2-12 in CAA play.

Mason is back in action on Saturday, as the Patriots hit the road to play UNC-Wilmington. They remain tied atop the CAA standings with Drexel and VCU after the Dragons defeated James Madison and the Rams defeated Towson Wednesday night.