The George Mason Patriots rebounded from an ugly first half performance to score a critical conference win, defeating the Old Dominion Monarchs 54-50 Saturday night in front of a raucous Patriot Center crowd. With the victory, the Patriots own sole possession of first place in the CAA, if only for a few hours, with an 11-2 conference mark.
George Mason big man Ryan Pearson rebounded from a brutal first half in which he had only two points to finish the game with 17 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals. Fellow forward Mark Morrison chipped in eight points and eight boards for the Patriots.
Old Dominion lost despite outshooting George Mason from the field 32.8 percent to 27.7 percent. The Monarchs were outscored by 10 points in the second half, and finished the game with 17 turnovers to just seven assists.
George Mason improved to 12-1 at home this season, including an unblemished 7-0 record at the Patriot Center in CAA play.
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