The George Mason Patriots needed a win to remain on top of the Colonial Athletic Association, and they got it on the road against James Madison. The Patriots jumped ahead early and never looked back in picking up an 89-83 win that was not nearly as close as the final score indicated.
The Patriots took a double-digit lead eight minutes into the game and did not surrender that margin until 1:11 remaining in the contest. James Madison's futile late push was the only reason this game was not closer. The Patriots are now 5-1 in the conference.
Ryan Pearson and Vaughn Gray had 19 points apiece for the Patriots, who placed five in double figures while shooting nearly 58 percent from the field. George Mason also shot a staggering 48 free throws in the contest, hitting 33 of them. Four players were in double figures for the Dukes, who shot just 38.5 percent from the field.
The George Mason Patriots (12-5, 4-1) look to start another conference winning streak when they travel to Harrisonburg, VA on Saturday to face the James Madison Dukes (8-8, 1-4).
