OffWing Photo: GMU Patriots Get The Win, Tulane Gets A Lump Of Coal

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December 22, 2008

GMU Patriots Get The Win, Tulane Gets A Lump Of Coal

FAIRFAX, VA - DECEMBER 22: Andre Cornelius #2 of the George Mason Patriots drives to the basket against the Tulane Green Wave during a non-conference basketball game at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA on December 22, 2008. (Photo by Allen Clark/www.OffWingPhoto.com)

Tonight's game was the first ever match-up between Tulane and Mason. Tulane came into the game just over .500 with a 5-4 record while Mason continues to roll with a 7-2 record. The Patriot victory brings the program's all time wins up to an impressive 600. Last Friday against Radford Sophomore Cam Long was the star of the show with a career high 21 points. Long was the latest Patriot player to lead the team in scoring, Mason has had six different players who have lead the team in scoring this season.

FAIRFAX, VA - DECEMBER 22: Ryan Pearson #24 of the George Mason Patriots drives on Daniel Plunkett #44 and Assim McQueen #4 of the Tulane Green Wave during a non-conference game at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA on December 22, 2008. (Photo by Allen Clark/www.OffWingPhoto.com)

At the end of the first half a pessimist would view the game as poor offence and week shooting percentage from both teams. Mason shot 38% and Tulane shot a dismal 29% from the field. But an optimist would say the defense was excellent and the hustling and rebounding were superb, 22 rebounds logged in for Tulane and 21 for Mason. And finally a realist would say the game went back and forth with 7 ties and 7 lead changes which ended the half in a 29-21 Mason lead.

Mason controlled the lead and the game the entire 2nd half and ended up winning 60-52. Vaughan lead the team in scoring with 16 points, Pearson and Monroe also had double digits. Mason's next game is on the road against Dayton and then they return home on January 3rd to play a struggling (3-8) UNC Wilmington who is in their conference.

FAIRFAX, VA - DECEMBER 22: John Vaughan #23 of the George Mason Patriots shoots a basket from the perimeter against the Tulane Green Wave during a non-conference game at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA on December 22, 2008. (Photo by Allen Clark/www.OffWingPhoto.com)

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

Story by Brian Collins

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