FAIRFAX, VA - NOVEMBER 13: Kevin Foster #3 of the George Mason Patriots drives on Carter McMasters #41 of the Liberty University Flames during a non-conference game at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA on November 13, 2009. (Photo by Allen Clark/www.OffWingPhoto.com)

By Brian Collins
OffWing Opinion

WASHINGTON D.C. (November 13) -The Patriots opened their season against Liberty at home in the Patriot center.  The Patriots have only two returning starters, Birdsong and Long.  The rest of the starting lineup is filled with sophomores most notably was last years immerging star Pearson who lead the freshman class in scoring.  GMU has been projected to receive fourth place in the CAA.  The team predicted to win the CAA is Old Dominion which returns their entire starting lineup followed by Northeastern and VCU.

GMU began the game somewhat rusty but then rallied and led Liberty 40-27 at the end of the half.  Liberty had a difficult time getting a good look at the basket and was forced to throw up prayer shots to avoid shot clock violations.  GMU’s freshman Luke Hancock looked impressive on the court, but the real crowd pleaser was by another freshman Kevin Foster who dunked a rebound to the screams of a packed student section.

Liberty put up a good fight in the second half and made it a close game but in the end GMU won 76-72.  The Patriots where lead by Cornelius who scored 17 points, 8 other Patriots put points on the board.  GMU continues to win at home and hasn’t lost at home since the 2007 season.  The Patriots next opponent will be Dartmouth this Sunday at home.

Click on the image below to view a slideshow of images from the game: