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Perennial bracket-busters square off at the Patriot center for early-season bragging rights. At the half, the Northern Iowa Panthers lead the George Mason Patriots 35-31. Panthers guard Marc Sonnen has hit four 3-pointers for all of his 12 points to lead all scorers in the game.
For the Patriots, guard Bryon Allen has nine points off the bench on four of five shooting. Sherrod Wright and Corey Edwards, fellow backcourt patrollers have five points a piece, each hitting a triple in their first-half efforts.
The Panthers were able to get to the line in the first half, hitting seven of their ten free throws. The Patriots have hit five of seven, with postman Eric Copes going four of six on his own.
George Mason is 6-3 on the season and is looking to remain undefeated at home. The beat Virginia and lost a nail-biting 1-point loss to New Mexico as part of their tough non-conference schedule.