CSNbbs

FAIRFAX, Va. - Cam Long hit a pair of free throws with 4.8 seconds to play to force overtime and the Patriots, after rallying from a 15-point deficit, beat VCU, 82-77 in front of the largest student crowd in George Mason school history. The Patriots beat the Rams with 5,486 fans in attendance including 2,091 students. Mason broke the school record for consecutive home wins against Colonial Athletic Association opponents as the Patriots have now won 18 straight against CAA teams at Patriot Center.

After shooting 53.6 percent in the first half, Mason (16-9, 11-3) held VCU (17-6, 9-5) to 36 percent shooting in the second half and just 25 percent shooting in overtime. The Patriots, meanwhile, shot just 40.9 percent in the first half but 50 percent in the second half and overtime. Mike Morrison had 17 of his career-high 18 points in the second half and overtime as Mason rallied from a 43-28 second-half deficit to take the only regular-season meeting between the teams. Morrison also had 10 boards, his fourth career double-double. Larry Sanders, who entered the game averaging 15.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks and was top six in the CAA in scoring, rebounding, field-goal percentage and blocks, finished with 13 points, four rebounds and one block on 5 of 12 shooting. He fouled out late in regulation.