(Addison Cox / Fourth Estate)
Long’s historic performance leads Mason to upset over No. 25 Saint Louis
BY BRADY LANDRY AND SAMUEL GATEWOOD, STAFF WRITERS
Mason men’s basketball (23-8, 11-7 in A-10) closed out the regular season with a statement win at home against No. 25 Saint Louis University (27-4, 15-3 in the A-10), defeating the Billikens 86-57 on March 7.
After losing five of seven games in February, a top-25 win gives Mason a springboard of momentum heading into this week’s A-10 tournament.
“This was the game we needed. It’s been a long season, a lot of ups and downs,” Coach Tony Skinn said. “We needed a moment against a really good team to get our swagger back before heading into Pittsburgh.”
“I’m super happy, proud of these guys … this is the type of win that you need before going into your conference tournament.”
Mason dominated Saint Louis on defense, holding them to their lowest point total of the season on 39.7% FG, and outperforming them in rebounds, 41-26. Five Patriots scored in double figures on the offensive end, but it was graduate guard Jahari Long’s night.
Long notched 21 points and 9 assists, becoming only the second Patriot ever to record over 20 points and 8 assists in a game.
In addition to Long’s performance, the Patriots received contributions from multiple players. Forwards Emmanuel Kanga and Nick Ellington logged double-doubles, as Ellington celebrated Senior Day by making the first 3-pointer of his collegiate career.
Sharpshooting junior guard Kory Mincy had his best performance since injuring his shooting thumb during the Patriots’ loss to Duquesne, scoring 15 points (6-11 FG, 2-5 3PT).
The Patriots took their first double-digit lead of the game thanks to a layup from Long with 1:10 left in the first half. Mason didn’t look back, going into the second half with a 9-point lead and proceeding to outscore the Billikens by 20 after the break.
Mason made their mark in the second half, going on a 17-0 run and leading by as many as 34 points.
Looking ahead, the Patriots will enter the A-10 tournament as the No. 5 seed and will play St. Bonaventure on Thursday, March 12, in Pittsburgh. The game will be available to watch live on USA Network.
