George Mason came into tonight’s game with UMass knowing just how well the Minutemen matched up with them. The first time the met in Amherst, the Patriots came away with a hard fought five point win. This time around, they faced the Minutemen coming off the visitor’s biggest win. Last Saturday, UMass upset first place Davidson by three. What made the win even more impressive was, they were able to do it without A-10 Preseason All Conference player, Luwane Pipkins.
UMass had some momentum left over from their upset as they jumped out to an early 8-3 lead behind Carl Pierre’s five points. They frequently
Mason would come out of the first media timeout on a 7-2 run tying the game at 10 but the Patriots couldn’t hold the momentum. UMass continuously had good looks at the basket from the perimeter. In the post, Rashaan Holloway was an issue.
Holloway made his first three baskets from the field while making effective passes out of the post whenever George Mason threatened with a double team. But he would pick up his second foul with 4:11 left in the half. At the time the Minutemen were up 25-18.
Mason would take advantage of Holloway’s absence and end the half on an 8-1 run.
Leaders:
Points: George Mason: Greene 8; UMASS: Pierre 10
Rebounds: George Mason: 5 tied with 2; UMASS: Holloway 4
Assists: George Mason: Livingston II 2; UMASS: Wood 3
George Mason 26 UMASS 26
The Patriots started the second half on a 6-0 run temporarily ceasing control. Down 35-29, the Minutemen would go on a 13-5 to take a 42-40 lead. Samba Diallo’s six straight points spurred the run.
Just like in the first half, Holloway would be a factor in the second half . He had grabbed two rebounds and dished out three assists before picking up his fourth foul with 9:14 remaining.
For Mason, it was Otis Livingston II who would lead the team offensively. As been the case all season, Livingston II has been great when it comes to determining when to take over. After scoring only four points in the first half, Livingston II would lead Mason in scoring with 13 in the second half.
But just like last season, the Patriots conjured up some magic down the stretch of a key game. Down four with 1:07 left, Mason would get a layup by freshman, Jordan Miller. After getting a stop on defense, the Patriots would get a run out that led to a Justin Kier layup. Keon Clergeot would miss a three at the buzzer.
George Mason 60 UMASS 60
In overtime, the Patriots jumped out to a 9-3 run controlling the play early in the extra period. With 8 seconds left, Tre Wood would get UMASS within two points. After a foul, Jarred Reuter would only make one of two free throws but Miller’s hustle play would enable Javon Greene to grab an offensive rebound. Greene would make both free throws putting Mason up by five with four seconds left.
George Mason 80 UMASS 75
Leaders:
Points: George Mason: Livington II 21; UMASS: Pierre 26
Rebounds: George Mason: Reuter 7; UMASS: Diallo 1
Assists: George Mason: Livingston II 5; UMASS: Wood 8
