The biggest challenge George Mason faced tonight was against themselves.
The Patriots were a Zach Anderson missed three-pointer away from overtime in the Atlantic 10 tournament finals and a chance to go to the NCAA tournament.
George Mason was awarded an NIT bid against one of the top-scoring teams in Samford.
The question was, will the Patriots be up to the task?
George Mason got 19 points and 10 rebounds from Zach Anderson and 20 points from KD Johnson in the Patriots’ 86-69 win.
For Samford, Jaden Brownell had a career-high 26 points.
Early on, Mason’s trademark defense was on display. The Patriots forced five early turnovers, jumping out to an early 17-11 lead. Mason would push the lead to 27-15 on a 10-4 run.
Mason would go on another run later in the half. This time, it was a 13-0 run, giving the Patriots a 40-17 lead. The Patriots’ largest lead in the first half was 23.
Mason led at halftime 45-24.
The Patriots started the second half, scoring six of the first eight points.
Jalen Haynes’ two free throws put Mason up 61-37 with 11:56 left.
Mason would lead by as many as 25 points in the second half.
Samford went on a 9-0 run, drawing the Bulldogs to within 73-60 with 6:07 left.
Notes:
- Samford shot 12-34 from the three-point line. The Bulldogs made X three-pointers in the second half. Brownell had a career-high six three-pointers.
- Zach Anderson had a season-high 10 rebounds. His career-high is 14.
- This was the third time this season that Jalen Haynes attempted double-digit free throws. Haynes finished 6-13 from the free throw line.
