George Mason returned back to Eagle Bank after a disappointing conference opener loss to George Washington to face one of the Atlantic 10 favorites in Dayton.
The Patriots would meet the challenge in a hard fought 50-49 win.
D’Shawn Schwartz led George Mason with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Josh Oduro posted a double-double finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The first half was an old fashion rock fight. George Mason would only make nine field goals in the first 20 minutes but led 25-24 at the half on the strength of five made three pointers.
Tough defense on both sides continued in the second half. Kobe Brea’s free throw gave Dayton their largest lead of the second half at 44-41. It would be their last.
George Mason responded with a 7-0 run of their own and held a four point lead with 10 seconds left. Dayton’s Brea would cut the lead to one after a three pointer from the wing.
After Xavier Johnson missed the front end of a one-and-one, Dayton had a final shot to win the game but Mustapha Amzil missed a three pointer at the buzzer.
