Win Over Ohio Gives Mason A Lifetime .500

George Mason is off to a strong start this season with a record coming into the game at 4-1. They took on Ohio’s Bobcats from the MAC conference who have only played two games, both of which were victorious.

FAIRFAX, VA – NOVEMBER 29: Dre Smith #1 of the George Mason Patriots shoots over Justin Orr #25 of the Ohio Bobcats during a non-conference game at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA on November 29, 2008. (Photo by Allen Clark/www.OffWingPhoto.com)

Mason scored first and kept the lead the entire first half with their largest lead of 19. They ended the first half up by ten doing an excellent job on defense holding the Bobcats to merely 30 points. The Patriots forced 9 turnovers and did not allow Ohio any easy looks at the basket. Ohio only shot 33% compared to Mason who shot 55%. With a lead of ten Mason was still worried, knowing that last year they where up by 18 over the Bobcats at half and ended up loosing the game.

History did not repeat itself as Mason held the lead the entire game to win 74-65. The Patriots spread the wealth on scoring and five players score double figures, Smith and Long leading the team with 15 points a piece. Monroe was a dominant force on the boards rebounding 9.

FAIRFAX, VA – NOVEMBER 29: Daryl Monroe #32 of the George Mason Patriots drives to the basket on Jerome Tillman #33 of the Ohio Bobcats during a non-conference game at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA on November 29, 2008. (Photo by Allen Clark/www.OffWingPhoto.com)

Ohio has a new coach in with two games under his belt compared to Larranaga with 710. An interesting side note, Mason’s all time record is just shy of .500 at 596-597 with their first ever game and win back in 1966 against U.S. Navy’s Bethesda Hospital team. That was also the only time Mason’s all time record was over .500.

The Patriots will play Liberty on the road Monday followed by their first CAA game on the road against Drexel. They return to the Patriot Center December 19th to face Radford and try to keep their undefeated home streak going.

For more photographs from the game visit our OffWing Photo gallery on flickr.

Story by Brian Collins

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