Feb. 13, 2003

Box Score

FAIRFAX, Va. ­ George Mason senior forward Jesse Young (Peterborough, Ontario/Peterborough College Institute) recorded 16 points and a career-high 18 rebounds as the Patriots pulled away from visiting Hofstra in the second half in posting a 70-54 win in Colonial Athletic Association men's basketball action Thursday evening at the Patriot Center.

For Young, it was his fourth double-double of the season and 14th of his career for the Patriots (13-9, 8-5 CAA) who are now tied for third in the conference standings. It was also the second time in the past three games that Young had a double-double and a career-high in rebounds. He totaled a then career-best 15 caroms in Mason's 71-63 victory at Delaware Feb. 5.

Young scored six of Mason's first eight points, giving him more than 1,000 for his career, as the Patriots raced to 16-3 lead in the game's first 12 minutes. Hofstra's switch to a zone defense for the rest of the half allowed the Pride to climb back into the game. Hofstra outscored Mason 30-20 for the remainder of the frame as the Pride made 6-of-12 three-point baskets to pull to within three, 36-33, at halftime.

Mason senior forward Jon Larranaga (Oakton, VA/St. John's-Prospect Hall), who finished the contest with 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, and four steals, opened the second stanza with back-to-back jumpers to push the Patriots' advantage to seven, 40-33. Hofstra responded with a 6-0 run, capped by a dunk from senior Rick Apodaca, to move the Pride to within one, 40-39 at the 17:01 mark.

For the next five minutes, Mason just couldn't get away from the Pride until junior guard Raoul Heinen (Bunschoten, Holland) pulled the trigger on a 3-pointer with 11:47 left in the game, which gave the Patriots a 52-46 lead. George Mason's decision to play zone for parts of the second frame stifled the Pride offense, allowing Mason to get easy baskets off turnovers and missed shots. Following Heinen's 3-pointer, the Patriots closed the half on an 18-8 run and went on to win, 70-54. The Pride went 1-for-11 from 3-point range in the second period.

Mason junior guard Mark Davis (Springfield, VA/R.E. Lee/Palm Beach CC) led all scorers with 17 points. He added four rebounds and three steals. Heinen totaled seven points and tied for game-high honors with six assists. Forward Trent Wurtz (Fr., Sheboygan, WI/Sheboygan North) collected 7 points and 3 boards in 11 minutes.

Young's 16 points give him 1,015 for his career, which ranks 21st on Mason's all-time list. He becomes the 23rd player in Patriot history with at least 1,000 points and is the 12th athlete with 1,000 points and at least 500 career rebounds (652).

Apodaca led Hofstra with 16 points and six assists. Sophomore Kenny Adeleke had 12 points and five rebounds. Sophomore Woody Souffrant scored 10 points - all in the first half. George Mason shot 41.3 percent for the game and outrebounded Hofstra, 41-33. Hofstra shot 39.6 percent.

The Patriots are in action again Saturday as they take on William & Mary in Williamsburg at 7 p.m.

Box Score
Hofstra (5-17, 4-9 CAA) - 33-21=54
George Mason (13-9, 8-5 CAA) - 36-34=70