FAIRFAX, Va. – Cam Long scored 12 of his 18 points in the second half and George Mason defeated Georgia State 66-51 on Saturday.
Both teams struggled offensively in the first half and for much of the second.
The Patriots (12-5, 4-2 Colonial Athletic Association) led just 24-21 at halftime, and the game remained close through the first 10 minutes of the second half when a three-point play by James Fields drew the Panthers to within 43-41 with 9:43 remaining. But George Mason responded with a 9-0 run and scored 23 of the game's final 33 points to seal the victory.
Ryan Pearson added 14 points, Isaiah Tate had 11 and Luke Hancock had all nine of his points in the second half for the Patriots, who improved to 8-0 at home this season.
Georgia State (8-8, 3-3), which lost its third straight, shot 35 percent (17-of-49) from the field and was led by 12 points from Dante Curry.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.