After taking just a two-point lead into the half against Manhattan on Friday night at the Patriot Center, George Mason pulled away after the break to earn an 81-61 victory.
Forward Ryan Pearson turned in a sparkling performance, scoring 25 point and 10 rebounds to lead the Patriots. Forward Mike Morrison had a double-double as well, putting up 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to go with four assists. Vertrail Vaughns and Bryon Allen scored in double figures as well, finishing with 13 and 10 points, respectively.
George Mason overcame a strong performance by Manhattan's leading scorer, George Beamon, who put up 18 points and pulled down nine rebounds on the evening.
The win moves the Patriots to 8-4 on the young season and gets them back on the winning track following a 75-64 loss against Duquesne at home on Wednesday night. They'll now take a week off before traveling to the College of Charleston on Dec. 30.