In a closely contested NIT First Round match, George Mason University fell 77-71 to Liberty despite Jahari Long鈥檚 standout performance with a career-high 27 points. The Patriots battled back from a 15-point first-half deficit and tied the game late in the second half, but were unable to secure the win. This season concludes with 23 wins for George Mason, marking one of their best records in recent history and their second consecutive appearance in the NIT. Head coach Tony Skinn highlighted the efforts of his team and their aspirations for continued improvement.

By the Numbers
  • Jahari Long scored 27 points, 20 in the second half.
  • George Mason ended the season with 23 wins, tied for fifth-most in school history.
State of Play
  • George Mason erased a 15-point deficit and tied the game at 65-65.
  • Liberty scored the final buckets to seal their victory in the last minute.
What's Next

As they move into the offseason, George Mason aims to build on their successful season and enhance their team for future competitiveness. Coach Tony Skinn plans to maintain high standards and develop players to improve their performance in upcoming years.

Bottom Line

Despite the disappointment of the NIT loss, George Mason's strong season and the emergence of players like Jahari Long signal a promising future for the program. With back-to-back postseason appearances, the groundwork is laid for further success and improvement.