Towson University Athletics

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Men's Basketball 12.4.2011

Rally Falls Short In CAA Opening Loss To Mason

TOWSON, Md. – Sophomore forward Marcus Damas tallied a career-high 25 points, but all five George Mason starters scored in double-figures to lead the Patriots past the Tigers, 65-53, in both teams Colonial Athletic Association opener Saturday evening at the Towson Center.

Damas is the first Tiger to break the 20-point mark this season and he did so in impressive fashion, shooting 9-of-14 from the floor and 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. The sophomore transfer has scored in double-figures in all but two games this season and now leads the Tigers in scoring at 12.4 points per game.

Towson (0-7, 0-1 CAA) committed a season-low 13 turnovers and shot 8-of-17 (47.1 percent) from beyond the arc, but lost the rebound battle (41-26) for just the third time this season.

George Mason (6-2, 1-0 CAA) had 61 of its 65 points scored from its starters and the Patriots held a commanding 28-10 advantage in point in the paints. Mike Morrison and Ryan Pearson led Mason with 14 points apiece.

After Deon Jones hit a three for Towson's first points of the game, the Patriots scored 10 straight to go up 13-3 just over three minutes into the game. With Mason leading by 14 minutes later, the Tigers went on a 10-3 spurt that was capped by consecutive three's from freshman Will Adams to make it 24-17.

Despite 15 first half points from Damas, the Patriots led 39-31 at the break.

Towson trimmed Mason's lead to six at the 13:52 mark of the second half, but the Tigers would go 6:21 between field goals and the Patriot lead ballooned to 13 with under nine minutes to play.

The Tigers did not go away, scoring seven consecutive points and 10 of the next 12 to get within five (56-51) with 3:13 remaining. A deep three-point field goal from Damas capped the run and forced George Mason Head Coach Paul Hewitt into a timeout.

Towson would only score one field goal the rest of the way though and Mason ended the game on a 9-2 run to capture its fourth straight win.

The Tigers will play their second of three straight home games Wednesday, Dec. 7 against La Salle. Tip time is set for 7 p.m. at the Towson Center.

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