The George Mason University men’s basketball team lost a close game to VCU, 70-65, at the Siegel Center in Richmond on Tuesday night. The Patriots, now holding a 22-8 overall record and 10-7 in conference play, kept the contest competitive until the final moments.
George Mason trailed by three points (68-65) with less than a minute remaining. After forcing VCU to miss a shot, the Patriots were unable to grab the rebound. VCU capitalized on the second chance and scored on the following inbounds play to secure their win.
Despite facing one of the top offenses in college basketball, George Mason limited VCU to 43.6 percent shooting from the field and held them 13 points below their season average.
Junior Kory Mincy led George Mason with 18 points, including four three-pointers, and added three rebounds over 31 minutes of play. Riley Allenspach recorded his third double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Masai Troutman and Nick Ellington each contributed nine points. Jahari Long led all players with five assists and three steals while scoring seven points.
The Patriots remain in fifth place in the Atlantic 10 standings with one regular-season game left.
George Mason started strong, making seven of their first eight shots for an early 13-5 lead. VCU responded with a run to take a brief advantage before both teams traded leads throughout the first half. At halftime, George Mason trailed by just one point (34-33).
In the second half, after briefly regaining the lead at 38-37, George Mason fell behind as VCU built up a seven-point cushion midway through the period. The Patriots had opportunities late in the game but missed two potential game-tying three-pointers. With under a minute left, Jahari Long’s three-point play brought George Mason within three points again (68-65), but they could not convert on subsequent possessions.
George Mason will conclude its regular season at home against #25 Saint Louis. The matchup is scheduled for tip-off at 4 p.m., with national coverage on USA Network.
