FAIRFAX, Va. – During his verse on the hit song "Victory", the late Notorious B.I.G. said he performs like "Mike, Anyone, Tyson, Jordan, Jackson, Action."
 
If the legendary rapper was still alive and in attendance, he would've added junior guard Mike Morsell to that list of greats after witnessing his stellar 21-point, nine-rebound performance during Towson's 67-61 win over George Mason at EagleBank Arena Saturday night in its season-opener.
 
Morsell, who finished one rebound shy of his first career double-double, levitated through the air and over the Patriots' defense for several dynamic layups. His game beautifully flowed like lyrics from one of Notorious B.I.G.'s hit rap songs. Morsell was also a menace on the glass in claiming his game-high caroms.
 
In a hard-fought game swollen with suspense throughout, Morsell lifted Towson in the first half with 12 points and his partner-in-crime Arnuad William Adala Moto joined the fun in the final 10 minutes to finish with a game-high 22 points.
 
Records
Towson 1-0
George Mason 0-1
 
How It Happened

• After somnambulating through a six-point first half, Adala Moto was wide awake after intermission, finishing with 16 points.
• With Towson trailing, 44-39, with 11:08 remaining, Adala Moto went wild.
• His brutal burst of points started with a thunderous two-handed dunk, which kickstarted a game-altering 17-7 Towson burst that turned the game in the Tigers' favor.
• Adala Moto gave the Tigers the lead for good, 52-49, with 7:19 remaining after draining a 3-pointer from the wing.
• While Morsell and Adala Moto were the headliners, the Tigers also received contributions from a committee of contributors to subdue the Patriots.
• Deshaun Morman finished with eight points.
• Brian Starr made a pair of critical baskets in the final five minutes to keep George Mason at an arms' length. He also added two steals and two assists in 23 minutes.
• Alex Thomas blocked a pair of shots and Eddie Keith II was strong on defense throughout.

 
Inside the Numbers

• Towson's largest lead was seven points on a pair of occasions in the second half.
• Towson outrebounded its 20th consecutive opponent, 39-32.
• The Tigers, who trailed 31-30 at intermission, went the first 4:47 of the second half without a field goal.
• Adala Moto was 5-for-10 shooting in the second half.
• This was the eighth time in his career Morsell has scored 20 or more points.
• This was Morsell's 34th career contest reaching double figures.
• George Mason was led by Jalen Jenkins, who scored 11 of his team-high 19 points in the second half.
• This was Towson's third straight win over George Mason.
• This was Towson's first season-opening win since a 72-45 win over Navy to begin the 2013-14 season.
• After starting 1-for-12 from 3-point distance, Towson made two of its final three attempts from deep.
• There were 14 lead changes and six ties.

 
Up Next
Towson continues its four-game road trip when it visits Morgan State Tuesday at 7 p.m.