ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands – Johnny Williams had 16 points and 10 rebounds and Sherrod Wright scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half, leading George Mason to a 52-49 victory over Mercer on Friday in the Paradise Jam.
Wright scored eight of the final 10 points of the game for the Patriots. George Mason (2-1) shot 76.5 percent (13 for 17) in the second half, offsetting its 19 turnovers in the game.
Mercer (2-1) led for most of the first half and by as much as 39-33 midway through the second. Wright's two free throws with 1:42 remaining put the Patriots ahead for good.
Travis Smith was the only Mercer player in double figures with 17 points, and Jakob Gollon added eight.
George Mason will face either New Mexico or the University of Illinois-Chicago on Sunday afternoon. Mercer will play the loser of New Mexico-UIC on Saturday afternoon.
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