Nov. 22, 2005

Box Score

The George Mason men's basketball hosted Creighton University in their home opener on Tuesday evening and Patriot fans will have to wait a few weeks to celebrate a win at home as the Bluejays' defense limited Mason to 29 percent shooting from the field while harassing the Patriots into 16 turnovers in a 72-52 win at the Patriot Center. It was Mason's worst home loss since falling to Delaware by 27 on December 22, 2001.

Jai Lewis set a new career high with 17 rebounds but the CAA's leader in field goal percentage shot just 3 of 11 from the field as just two Mason players managed to score in double figures. Creighton, meanwhile, shot 46 percent from the field and 72 percent from the free throw line in winning its 17th straight November contest.

Mason opened the game with a 4-0 run but then went cold as Creighton launched a 19-4 run that established an early 11-point lead. Mason point guard Folarin Campbell got into early foul trouble and the offense could never get into synch. Mason close to within four several times before the half, narrowing the lead to 27-23, but the Jays used a late run to close the half with a 36-26 lead.

Creighton (2-0) opened the half with a 5-1 run and weathered several Mason runs. The Patriots (1-2) got to within six at 45-39 with 13 minutes to play but Creighton responded with a 9-0 run to make it a 17-point lead and the advantage remained at least 15 points through the remainder of the game.

Nate Funk who was selected as a preseason third-team All-American by Street & Smith's finished with 12 points and six rebounds while his backcourt-mate Johnny Mathies had 12 points and seven rebounds. Nick Porter added 12 points for the Jays. Mason's Folarin Campbell and Tony Skinn each scored a game-high 14 points but Campbell's came on 3 of 9 shooting while Skinn's came on 3 of 13 shooting. Each had three assists as well.

Lamar Butler was just 1 of 9 from the field with five points in 29 minutes. Lewis, who has rebounded in double figures in all three games, was held to a season-low seven points. Mason's one edge came on the offensive glass where Mason grabbed 16 boards. Still, the teams each finished with 40 total rebounds as time and again Mason was unable to capitalize on second chances. The Jays finished with a 40-24 edge in points in the paint and a 26-9 edge in points off turnovers. The Creighton bench also outscored Mason's 32-6.

The Patriots will get back on the court later this week when Mason plays at Manhattan (0-1) on Saturday at 7 p.m.