FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) Shevon Thompson had 13 points and seven rebounds on Saturday night and George Mason beat La Salle 70-62 in the Atlantic 10 opener for both teams.
Jalen Jenkins, Isaiah Jackson and Patrick Holloway each joined Thompson with 13 points for the Patriots (6-7), who outscored La Salle 14-6 over the final six minutes.
Thompson gave George Mason the lead for good at 59-58 on a basket with 5 minutes left and Holloway's jumper stretched the lead to 64-59 at the 1:51 mark.
Cleon Roberts' 3-pointer for the Explorers (8-6) cut the deficit to 64-62 and Isaiah Jackson missed a pair of free throws for George Mason. But Amar Stukes missed a potentially game-tying layup with 50 seconds left and the Patriots made all six of their free throws from there.
Roberts and Jerrell Wright led the Explorers with 16 points. Steve Zack added 12.
