George Mason next for Buckeyes

BY MATT MARKEY (ToledoBlade.com) — CLEVELAND — Former Bowling Green coach Jim Larranaga and his George Mason team won their first game in this year’s NCAA tournament in dramatic fashion Friday, taking out Villanova by a 61-57 score at Quicken Loans Arena.

The Patriots had not led in the game since the opening five minutes until a dunk by Mike Morrison with just under a minute left gave them a 56-54 edge. After Villanova regained the lead by one, George Mason’s sophomore forward Luke Hancock brought the ball up court, weaved when he neared the top of the key, and studied the defense.

As the seconds evaporated, Villanova anticipated a pass to one of the George Mason seniors on the floor, but Hancock squared up and shot a 3-pointer that hit the bottom of the net. Villanova missed a panicky attempt to tie the game, and George Mason shook Morrison loose for a dunk that provided the four-point margin.

“I remember dunking,” Morrison said. “But I really don’t remember anything else about it at all. I just know everybody went crazy.”

Hancock led George Mason with 18 points, while Morrison and Isiah Tate had 10 each. Corey Fisher had 20 for Villanova (21-12).

The win gets George Mason (27-6) a date with top-ranked Ohio State in Sunday’s next round……

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