George Mason Advances to Day 2 in A-10 Tourney

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George Mason survived a furious rally from Saint Joseph’s on Wednesday afternoon, beating the Hawks 77-70 to advance to Day 2 of the Atlantic 10 Tournament. Playing without point guard Jamal Hartwell, the Patriots got 57 combined points from AJ Wilson (24), Jordan Miller (19) and Javon Greene (14).

Goanar Mar, who was missing in action for most of the season, was a huge spark off the bench for Mason, posting eight points and six boards.

“In my mind, one of the keys to the game was Goanar Mar. Coming in and guarding [Ryan] Daly for most of the game, hitting shots, rebounding, and sparking us; that’s what we needed,” head coach Dave Paulsen said after the game. “Daly is a tough cover.”

Mason led 64-50 with 3:33 remaining before Daly and the Hawks conjured up some magic to cut the lead to three down the stretch. Up 73-70 with 10 seconds to go, Greene splashed four consecutive free throws to ice the game.

The Patriots will face fifth-seeded St. Bonaventure on Day 2 at NBC Sports Network at 2:30 p.m.