Jaden Schutt hit six three-pointers, Amani Hansberry had 15 points in an all-around standout performance, and the George Mason University men’s basketball team fell 62-73 on the road to Virginia Tech.
The George Mason Patriots brought their perfect 9-0 record to Blacksburg, Va. for their first true away game of the season, visiting the Virginia Tech Hokies. It’s the fourth time during the Tony Skinn era that Mason has played at a power conference school, with the Patriots still looking for their first such win.
Virginia Tech scored the game’s first seven points, but GMU fought back to take a 24-22 lead after Kory Mincy hit a three-pointer. A pair of Riley Allenspach free throws kept the Patriots ahead 26-24, but Schutt and the Hokies got hot from deep, ending the half on a 19-4 run.
It only got worse for Mason after the intermission, with Virginia Tech taking its largest lead of the afternoon at 60-37 with just under 15 minutes remaining. The Patriots were able to minimize the bleeding, fighting to get back within 11 at the final buzzer, but it was a moot point aside from likely saving them a few positions in the metrics.
The loss is GMU’s first of the year, after their 9-0 start gave them their most consecutive wins to begin a season in program history. A better showing would have been ideal in one of the few opportunities Mason will have all year to move the needle in regard to their at-large hopes, but at the end of the day, it’s hard to be disappointed with 9-1.
Skinn did not make an appearance in the media room, but Virginia Tech head coach Mike Young was complimentary of the Patriots. “They’re a good basketball team, they’re well-coached,” he said. “I think they’ll do well in the A-10.” He additionally referred to Mincy as a “demon” (in a positive way).
Mincy led all GMU scorers with 16, while adding eight assists. Allenspach had 11 and Jahari Long had 10.
Next, Mason will have a full week to rest up before hosting Old Dominion next Saturday. During that game, they’ll honor former head coach Jim Larrañaga and the 2006 Final Four team, which Skinn was the starting point guard on.