With the Atlantic 10 tournament residing at Capital One Arena, the two “home” schools were ready to do battle for the third time this season.
George Mason and George Washington played two one-possession games during the regular season, but this one had higher stakes.
A birth to the Atlantic 10 semifinals to face either St. Joseph’s or Dayton was at stake.
George Mason’s trademark defense would take over in the second half in the Patriots’ 80-65 win over the Revolutionaries.
Jaylen Haynes had 24 points and defensive specialist, Jared Billups had 18 points and seven rebounds.
“I say it all the time, I think I get way too much credit. When you have a first-teamer like Jalen Haynes, when you have the Defensive Player of the Year like Jared [Billups], when you have an All-Conference guy like Darius Maddox. They make me look good. I’m just proud of these guys. One game at a time,” said George Mason head coach Tony Skinn.
George Washington shot 62.5% in the first half and led 42-38 at the half. The Revolutionaries led by as much as six points. Christian Jones scored 11 points while big man Rafael Castro had 13 points.
Jaylen Haynes’ 16 points led George Mason.
The Patriots started the second half on a 12-0 run.
“A 12-0 run to start the half, obviously, was no good for us. And we couldn’t get quite close enough again. But again, I want to give them credit. I thought our guys played a really good first half. Again, there’s a reason why they tied for the league title. Veteran team, well-coached, really good defense. Historically good defense. And it was on display in the second half,” said George Washington head coach Chris Caputo.
With 8:05 left, the lead grew to 15 on a three-point play by Jared Billups.
Jacoi Hutchinson’s driving layup got George Washington to within 10 at 68-58.
George Mason would respond with a 6-0 run punctuated by KD Johnson’s reverse dunk.
The Revolutionaries would never be any closer than 14 points.
