Ashkan Motamedi George Mason Umass recap
Since joining the A10 George Mason Umass games never fail to be close. Wednesday night continued that trend when the Minutemen came into Fairfax undermanned looking to snap a losing streak of seven games to George Mason. Umass was without star PG and leading scorer Luwane Pipkins to a hamstring injury. While George Mason was without defensive big man Greg Calixte. The first half was a slow start for Mason struggling in their half-court offense with Umass hot 3 point shooting by Carl Pierre and post play controlling their offense by their big man combo of Djery Baptiste. Tre Wood who once considered going to George Mason but instead chose Umass. Had missed time with a concussion for over a month had a coming out party type game in front of his family and friends scoring 13 points 8 assists hitting big shot after big shot for Umass throughout the game. However it was foul trouble and free throws in the end Geroge Mason shot 37 free throws that made the difference in this conference affair. Umass had four players with either 3 or 4 fouls throughout the contest. In the 2nd half it was back and forth affair with Umass not going away with Javon Greene, Otis Livingston II , and Justin Kier getting the George Mason offense hot. Down the stretch Tre Wood and Carl Pierre gave Umass a four point lead with a min left but Jordan Miller brought the lead back down to 2 off a layup on a backdoor cut. After getting a stop Justin Keir ran out in transition and got to the bucket to tie the game and after a desperation 3 from Umass did not fall overtime was needed score tied 60-60 . It was just like last season contest in Fairfax that also went to overtime. George Mason came out hot in Overtime getting to the basket drawing fouls and knocking down shots to bring up the lead to six points. Carl Pierre however carried Umass on his back overtime knocking down 2 heavily contested shots to bring George Mason lead down to 2 both times. With 8 seconds left Jared Reuter went to the free throw line to put the game away up 77-75. After making the first free throw Reuter 2nd attempt was off the mark but Jordan Miller who worked hard on the offensive glass all night tipped the ball out to Javon Greene who closed the game with 2 free throws for George Mason to win 80-75. Everyone in George Mason starting lineup scored in double figures with Otis Livingston II leading the night with 21 points. AJ Wilson provided productive minutes off the bench against Umass big men. George Mason moves to 15-10 and 9-3 in A10 play matching their win total A10 play from last season. George Mason also keeps up in pace with league leaders Davidson and VCU in the race for the regular season title. George Mason next plays @ St. Bonaventure Sunday at 2:00 PM. George Mason won the first matchup this season in Fairfax 68-53 January 6th
