Mason men's basketball falls to GW, 75-69

Bryon Allen ended the night with just nine points on Saturday against GW (photo by Maurice Jones).

George Washington men’s basketball defeated Mason on Saturday at the Patriot Center, 75-69. The Colonials improve to 16-3 overall and 4-1 in Atlantic 10 play, while the Patriots dropped to 7-13 and 0-6 in conference. All five starters finished in double-figures for the Colonials, with forward Kevin Larsen and guard Joe McDonald each with 14.

GW led from the 17:32 mark in the second half, when an Isaiah Armwood basket brought the score to 36-35. The Colonials shot 66.7 percent from the field, and would lead by as many as 16 points with 4:20 on the clock. The Patriots went on a 9-4 run to close the game, with a Patrick Holloway buzzer beater trey, but ultimately fell in the contest, 75-69. GW won the rebounding battle 34-30, and had 20 assists to the Patriots 14 in the game.

“We had some shots on the baseline that we didn’t convert,” Paul Hewitt said. “And, that’s the game.”

Mason shot 52 percent in the first half, and went 3-6 from the free throw line. The teams would battle through 11 lead changes and two tied scores in the first half, but a three-point play by Jalen Jenkins at the 9:49 mark gave Mason the 18-14 lead. A 7-0 run by GW followed by a 7-0 run by Mason, would have the Patriots lead cut to just one going into the locker room at the half, 30-29.

Jenkins had 13 points and 11 rebounds on the night, recording his second double-double this season and earning his third consecutive Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week honor. Johnny Williams matched a career-high in the contest, and led the team with 18 points. Freshman Marquise Moore set new career-highs in scoring and assists, with eight and seven. Despite starting, Erik Copes played sparingly seeing only seven minutes of play and two personal fouls. Bryon Allen and Sherrod Wright both recorded nine points in the contest.

With the win, the Colonials lead the Revolutionary Rivalry, 5-4. The Patriots travel to take on St. Louis at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network.