BY NATALIE HEAVREN SPORTS EDITOR
Mason’s men’s basketball team held on to Morgan State 82-75 to improve to 3-5, bouncing back after two losses in the Emerald Coast Classic.
“It wasn’t always artistic, but I think it was a good kind of gutty win for our guys,” said head coach Dave Paulsen after the game.
The Patriots, who outscored the Bears 47-41 in the second half, were led by Otis Livingston II, Javon Greene and Justin Kier, who all scored in double figures. Livingston II led all scorers with 22 points and seven assists. Green added 17 points and a team-high eight rebounds, while Kier scored 14 points and five assists.
- Second Half Adjustments
Mason went into halftime with a one-point lead, despite only grabbing three offensive rebounds, committing nine turnovers and shooting just two free throws. However, in the second half Mason grabbed seven offensive rebounds, committed just four turnovers and attempted 26 free throws.
Seven of those attempts came in the last minute of the game, with the team making five of those shots. This helped the team take their four-point lead and turn it into a seven-point victory.
- Making Threes is Key
Mason had their second-best game from the arc, making 8 of their 19 attempted threes. The number of made frees and the three-point percentage was only better in their loss to Georgia Southern, when they made 14 of their 23 three point attempts.
- Livingston II is Back
Livingston II posted his best shooting night this season while continuing to feed his teammates. He made seven of his 13 attempted field goals, which included shooting 2-4 from behind the arc, giving him both his highest percentages of the season. Livingston II also added seven assists while turning the ball over just twice, his second lowest mark of the season.
Though Livingston II has struggled with shooting at times, scoring less than 10 points in three of Mason’s first eight games, he is averaging more than five assists per game. Against Morgan State he proved that he can both score and help his teammates do the same. In this game, Livingston II became the fourth player in Mason history to notch 400 assists, while also moving up to 11th on Mason’s all-time scoring list.
Mason takes on former Colonial Athletic Association rival William & Mary Saturday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. in Williamsburg.
