George Mason blows big lead, falls to Manhattan

George Mason led by as many as 16 points in the second half, but could not hold on to the lead, dropping a 69-67 decision at Manhattan on Wednesday. Marko Gujanicic recorded his first double-double of the season behind 14 points and 10 rebounds and was one of four Patriots to score in double-figures. A season-high 25 turnovers from the Patriots were converted into 24 points for the Jaspers.

GAME NOTES
-Mason led at the halftime break 42-31 and pushed its lead out to 16 points following a Marko Gujanicic jumper at the 17:28 mark, giving the Patriots a 49-33 lead.
-Manhattan answered with a 20-4 run over the next 6:37 to tie the contest for the first time since the 13:44mark in the first half, setting the score at 53-53 with 10:32 to play
-After Otis Livingston II hit a jumper, the Jaspers tied the score for the fifth time before Mason took a three-point lead on a three-point play from Marquise Moore, 58-55.
-Manhattan would take its first lead since the first half when Matt Maloney connected on a triple at the 2:17mark for a 63-62 advantage.
-Mason would tie the score and take the lead again, but the Jaspers fought back and grabbed the final lead when Shane Richards was fouled on a layup, finishing the three-point play for a 69-67 lead with one second on the clock.
-Shevon Thompson tried to give Mason the buzzer-beater, but the shot was off the mark.
-Gujanicic led the Patriots with 12 points in the first half as the Patriots held their largest lead of 13 points with2:41 in the first half.

STAT BREAKDOWN
-Four Patriots scored in double-figures led by Jaire Grayer with 15 points. Marko Gujanicic followed with 14 points and led Mason on the glass with 10 rebounds.
-Mason out-rebounded Manhattan 40-25, but 25 turnovers plagued the Patriots.
-The Patriots committed 14 turnovers in the second half alone, resulting in 13 points for Manhattan. Overall, the Jaspers converted Mason’s 25 turnovers into 24 points.
-For the game, Mason shot 50.0 percent (22-44) from the floor and was 19-for-23 from the free throw line for an 82.6 percent efficiency.
-Manhattan shot 41.9 percent (26-62) from the field and was 11-for-15 at the charity stripe. The Jaspers were led offensively by Rich Williams with 26 points.

NEXT ON THE COURT
-After five games on the road, George Mason returns to EagleBank Arena on Saturday to welcome Wright State at 4 p.m.