Mason Falls to SLU for Another 1st Round Exit in A10 Tournament

Posted: March 10, 2016 at 9:21 am, Last Updated: March 10, 2016 at 9:33 am

Filmed and edited by Tyler Byrum’16

The #13 St. Louis Billikins upset the #12 George Mason Patriots 83-78 despite a last minute surge to bring the Patriots within two points.

The unrelenting three-point game from St. Louis was too much for Mason to handle. Shooting 52% (12-23) from behind the arc, the Billikins were able to control the game basically from start to finish.

At times the Patriots were able to get momentum on their side to get within one possession or even tie/ take the lead. That is when a downtown dagger would strike to pull St. Louis back ahead. The leading scorer Marcus Bartley totaled 24 points in the game including 7-8 from three-point range. The Billikins also committed only five turnovers compared to the Patriots 13.

Other than that the Patriots out-rebounded St. Louis 53-30 in the game led by Shevon Thompson’s 15, seven of them being offensive, he would also add 10 points in the game. This would be his 13th double-double on his senior season. All five of the Patriots starters finished in double-figure scoring for the game. Marquise Moore led the group with 17 points and 4 assists.

With under a minute to go Mason was down nine. The team then used strategic fouling and smart offensive play calls to cut the deficit down to only two points. The Billikins however hit their final round of shots from the line, sealing the fate of Mason.

The Patriots finish their season 11-21 (5-13 A10). For the third straight season Mason is eliminated in the play-in game of the Atlantic 10 tournament, 0-3 in the postseason since joining the conference.

Write to rhoran at rhoran@masonlive.gmu.edu