George Mason's high-powered offense was on full display in the second half as they outscored St. Bonaventure 46-34 to secure a 77-73 victory at the Reilly Center. Kory Mincy led the charge for the Patriots, scoring 22 points to help his team improve to 20-2 on the season. The win was predicted by CHD Scout, who had George Mason winning by 4.4 points, and the final margin of 4 points validated that forecast.
The first half was a closely contested affair, with St. Bonaventure taking a 39-31 lead into the break. Frank Mitchell was unstoppable for the Bonnies, scoring 15 of his 25 points in the opening period. However, George Mason made adjustments at halftime and came out strong in the second half, with Mincy and Fatt Hill combining for 24 points after the break. Jahari Long also played a crucial role for the Patriots, dishing out 9 assists to go along with his 13 points.
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St. Bonaventure's Dasonte Bowen had a strong all-around game, scoring 14 points and handing out 8 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of George Mason. The Bonnies' Cayden Charles added 13 points, but the team's offense stalled in the second half, allowing the Patriots to take control.
The win is a significant one for George Mason's resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 3 victory. While it may not be a marquee win, it demonstrates the Patriots' ability to win on the road against a solid opponent. For St. Bonaventure, the loss is a Quadrant 2 defeat, which could have implications for their tournament chances. The Bonnies, now 13-9 on the season, must regroup and focus on their upcoming conference games to bolster their resume.
George Mason's strong performance is a reflection of their depth and versatility. With multiple players contributing on offense, they were able to overcome a strong effort from St. Bonaventure's Frank Mitchell. As the season enters its final stretch, the Patriots want to build on this win and continue to make a case for themselves as a tournament contender. The victory over St. Bonaventure is a solid addition to their resume, and they will aim to keep adding to their list of accomplishments in the coming weeks.