Ryan Pearson turned in a magnificent performance with 35 points and 14 rebounds to propel George Mason to an 84-76 victory over the College of Charleston on Friday night.
Pearson hit 15 of 25 shots, going 4 for 4 from the foul line and making a 3-pointer. Teammate Vertrail Vaughns finished in double figures with 12 points and hit two 3-pointers, as did Andre Cornelius. But it was Pearson who fought off Charleston's more balanced attack with five players in double figures, led by Antwaine Wiggins with 19 points.
George Mason (9-4) led 46-38 at halftime before each team scored 38 points in the second half. The Patriots shot a sizzling 54.8 percent in the first half (17 of 31) and 51.7 percent for the game (31 of 60).
Trent Wiedeman scored 15 for Charleston (10-3) and Adjehi Baru added 12.
