NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Aaron Bacote scored 20 points and sank five free throws in the final 7 seconds as Old Dominion fended off a second-half rally to beat George Mason 71-66 on Saturday night.
The Monarchs (6-9) were up 11 at halftime but some iffy free throw shooting late — 3 of 8 at one point — allowed George Mason to twice get within two points in the final 10 seconds. The Patriots (7-7) ended the game on a turnover and a missed 3-pointer. Old Dominion made only six baskets after halftime and went 28-46 at the line (18-35 second half) but it was enough to end a two-game skid and also beat George Mason for the first time in six games.
Sherrod Wright led George Mason with 25 points and Bryon Allen added 18.
Wright scored 18 points after halftime, twice bringing the Patriots within five points in the closing minutes.
