Mason Holds Off Drexel, 56-55
Evan Neisler scored a career-high 14 points in the loss to Mason
Box Score
Philadelphia, Pa. – Evan Neisler’s jump shot off an inbound pass bounced off the rim as George Mason survived a Drexel comeback and escaped the Daskalakis Athletic Center with a 56-55 win. The Patriots (6-2) led by as many as 17 in the second half before the Dragons (2-2) cut it to one and had the last possession of the game.
George Mason led 55-48 when after Darryl Monroe made one of two free throws with just 47 seconds to play. Drexel answered with a Neisler three-point play with 27 seconds left to cut it to four. The lead was cut to two when Scott Rodgers came up with a steal in the backcourt and fed Yannick Formbor for a lay-up. The Dragons fouled Mason’s Louis Birdsong with just 13 ticks remaining on the clock. Birdsong made the first but missed the second shot. The Dragons brought the ball up and Rodgers drove the lane and was fouled by Monroe. It was ruled a flagrant foul, which gave Rodgers two free throws and the Dragons the ball. Rodgers made both and Mason called timeout. Drexel took the ball out under the Mason basket, but Neisler’s 10-footer from the baseline missed the mark.
Mason had a 27-23 at the half, but opened the second half with a 16-4 run. The Patriots made seven of their first eight shots and capped the run when John Vaughan came up with a steal and Dre Smith converted a lay-up. Vaughan had seven of his nine points in the early going of the second half.
Neisler had career-highs of 14 points and 11 rebounds in recording his first career double-double. Gerald Colds added 12 points, while Jamie Harris added 11 points on 5-for-6 shooting. Drexel came up with 16 offensive rebounds in the game and outrebounded the Patriots, 41-26. Monroe, Cam Long and Vaughan each scored nine points. The Patriots shot 42 percent from the floor and forced 14 Drexel turnovers.
The Dragons return to action next Sunday when they visit Fairfield in a non-conference game. Drexel’s next home game will be on Dec. 18 when Niagara visits the Daskalakis Athletic Center for a 7 p.m. game.