Feb. 2, 2006

Box Score

Newark, Del. - George Mason used an 11-0 run midway through the first half and Will Thomas had the fourth double-double of his career as the Patriots remained in first place in the Colonial Athletic Association while giving head coach Jim Larranaga a record-tying 106th career CAA win, as Mason downed Delaware 57-52 at Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, Del.

Larranaga tied Dick Tarrant's mark of 106 CAA win that he set while coaching Richmond. Larranaga will try to break the record on Saturday as he leads the Patriots against UNC Wilmington in a battle between the two teams tied for first place in the CAA. That game will be at the Patriot Center at 7 p.m. The Seahawks won the first meeting between the schools, 69-63 on Jan. 21.

Mason (16-5, 10-2) was in control of the game throughout the second half, but things turned heavily in their favor with just under 10 minutes to play. With the Patriots leading 40-33, Delaware head coach David Henderson was whistled for a technical foul.

Tony Skinn made both free throws and on the ensuing possession, Folarin Campbell scored and was fouled, converting the free throw for a five-point possession. Jai Lewis scored a layup on the next trip down the court and Campbell made two more free throws to put the Patriots ahead by 16. Mason kept the lead at nine or more until the final minute when the Blue Hens made a pair of 3-pointers to make the final score close.

Thomas finished with 14 points and a career-high 15 rebounds. It was his second double-double of the season with the first coming against Delaware. Cambell and Butler each had 10. Delaware (6-14, 2-9) was led by Harding Nana who had 16 points and 12 rebounds. Rulan Washington added 14 points.

Mason made three more field goals than Delaware on as many attempts in the first half and the Patriots out-rebounded the Blue Hens as well, 17-12. Unfortunately for the Patriots, 11 first-half turnovers kept them from building a comfortable margin. The lead changed hands seven times in the half and Mason was never able to get ahead by more than six. At the break the Patriots held a 26-21 advantage.

The Patriots' 16-5 start is the second-best in school history. Mason has now won 9 of 10 games and 15 of 18.