Riley Allenspach stole the show at EagleBank Arena, leading George Mason to a 69-64 win over George Washington with an impressive 18 points and 12 rebounds. The Patriots' strong first-half performance set the tone for the game, as they took a 38-30 lead into the break. George Washington fought hard to close the gap in the second half, but George Mason's balanced attack and Allenspach's dominance on the glass ultimately proved too much to overcome.
Garrett Johnson was the bright spot for George Washington, scoring 18 points to match Allenspach's total. Rafael Castro also had a strong game for the Colonials, posting 17 points and 12 rebounds. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the Patriots' well-rounded effort, which saw three players score in double figures. Masai Troutman added 14 points for George Mason, while Kory Mincy chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had George Mason winning by 4.5 points, and the Patriots delivered, covering the predicted margin by a slim 0.5 points. The actual score of 69-64 was a far cry from the predicted 70-70 deadlock, but the end result was the same: a George Mason victory.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The game was marked by a series of runs, with George Mason using a 10-2 spurt midway through the first half to build their lead. George Washington responded with a 12-4 run of their own in the second half, but the Patriots' advantage was too great to overcome. In the end, George Mason's strong rebounding and timely shooting was the difference.
This win is a significant one for George Mason's tournament resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 3 victory. The Patriots, now 18-1 on the season, continue to build their case for a strong seed in the NCAA tournament. For George Washington, the loss is a Quadrant 1 defeat, which can still be a valuable addition to their resume. The Colonials, now 12-7, want to bounce back from this tough road loss and continue to push for a tournament berth.
The victory is a reflection of George Mason's depth and resilience, as they were able to withstand a strong effort from George Washington and emerge victorious. As the season wears on, the Patriots want to continue their winning ways and solidify their position as a tournament contender. With this win, they take another step in the right direction, bolstering their resume with a hard-fought victory over a tough opponent.