Jan 12, 2002
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) - Jon Larranaga scored a career-high 24 points to leadGeorge Mason to a 76-67 victory over Old Dominion on Saturday night.
Larranaga hit his first six shots as the Patriots (9-5, 3-2 ColonialAthletic Association) led nearly the entire game. George Mason held OldDominion (8-7, 2-3) scoreless for seven minutes in the first half, and for a4:16 stretch in the second half.
The Monarchs cut the lead to four (69-65) after a basket by Ricardo Marsh with1:25 left, but Larranaga hit eight free throws after that to help push to leadback to the final margin of nine.
A dunk and a 3-pointer by Larranaga helped the Patriots score 11 straightpoints and take a 46-31 lead with 14:50 to play.
Larranaga, son of George Mason coach Jim Larranaga, scored the last eightpoints for the Patriots on free throws. Jesse Young had 13 points and 12rebounds for George Mason.
The Patriots went on their first 11-0 run in the first half to take a 13-5lead with 12:19 left. Old Dominion tied the game at 17-17, but George Masonquickly built a nine-point lead.
Ricardo Marsh led Old Dominion with 19 points, while Troy Nance had 15. TheMonarchs were 6-of-26 from 3-point range, while the Patriots were 3-of-12.
Old Dominion still leads the all-time series 24-7, but George Mason has wonsix of the last eight games. The Monarchs return to action on Monday night whenthey travel to Towson. Game time is 7:30 p.m.