Game 8 · American (3-4) at George Mason (9-1)
Date/Time: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 · 7 p.m. · Fairfax, Va. (Eaglebank Arena)
All-Time Record: George Mason leads, 31-11
TV: MASN2 / ESPN+
Talent: Bill Rohland (pxp), Craig Esherick (color)

WASHINGTON - The last game before a 10-day break will be a big one for American University men's basketball as the Eagles head to northern Virginia to face George Mason, a team that's gone 9-1 to start the season. It'll be the third local rivalry game for AU, and the Eagles have defeated both GW and Howard so far.

SCOUTING THE EAGLES

• AU is coming off its best win of the year, an 85-61 decision against visiting UMBC on Tuesday. The Eagles led by as many as 29 points late in the second half, and shot a season-best 59 percent from the field.
• Senior Sa'eed Nelson, who ranks fifth all-time at AU with 1,692 points and leads the team with 18.7 points per game this year, posted a career-high eight steals in the victory over UMBC. He is the only player in NCAA Division I so far this season to get eight steals in a game, and the total also ties for second-best all-time in program history.
• Nelson led AU with 17 points in Tuesday's win, while Jacob Boonyasith scored 12 and Stacy Beckton Jr. added 10. 
• With seven assists in AU's recent loss at Albany, Nelson became the first in Patriot League history with 1,600 points, 400 assists and 200 steals.
• Jamir Harris, who ranks second on the team with 12.7 points per game, has hit 13-of-14 free throws.
• The Eagles lead the PL with 4.3 blocks per game and 7.9 steals per game, while ranking second with 75.4 ppg, 47 percent field-goal shooting and 37.8 percent 3-point FG shooting.  
• American was picked third in the PL Preseason Poll. The Eagles finished the 2018-19 season tied for fourth.

SCOUTING THE PATRIOTS

• George Mason is 9-1 to start the season for the first time since 1983-84 when the Patriots started 12-1.
• The team began the year 5-0 for the first time in school history, before falling to now #3 Maryland on Nov. 22.
• The Patriots have won four straight and took home the team title at the Cayman Islands Classic, highlighted by a 68-64 win over New Mexico State in the title game and an 85-66 victory over Nebraska in the semifinals.
• Mason was a combined +41 (124-83) on the boards in three games in the Cayman Classic (53-19 edge in second chance points). Mason now ranks 61st nationally in rebounding margin (+5.9) and is sixth nationally in total rebounds (372).

ALL-TIME SERIES

• George Mason leads AU 31-11 all-time and has won 13 of the last 14. 
• Just a year ago, the Eagles got their first win in the series since 1997, winning 78-75 on the road in the opening game of the season.
• The last AU win before 2018-19 against Mason was on Jan. 18, 1997, an 84-75 win at Bender Arena. 
• In games at Mason, the Patriots lead 17-3.

UP NEXT

• American will be off for 10 days before traveling to Mount St. Mary's on Dec. 17. The Eagles are back at home vs. Stony Brook on Dec. 21.

MEN'S BASKETBALL HOLIDAY 3-PACK TICKET MINI-PLAN AVAILABLE THROUGH DEC. 31

• Treat yourself or give the gift of AU Hoops this December by purchasing the AU Men's Basketball's Holiday 3-Pack Ticket Mini-Plan!  For just $50 you get a sideline ticket to 3 great match-ups of your choice from all remaining home games. Shopping for Eagle fans on your holiday list has never been easier.  Purchase this special holiday season limited time offer at AUeagles.com/Tickets today!

INDIVIDUAL GAME TICKET INFO

• Great seats remain for the Dec. 21 home game vs. Stony Brook, as well as all nine home Patriot League games beginning with Jan. 5 vs. Boston University in Bender Arena.  Secure your seats today by visiting AUeagles.com/Tickets or by calling (202) 885-TIXX (8499).  Group Tickets are available starting at just $5 each.
• AU students are admitted free of charge to home basketball games with a valid AU ID.

For the latest on American University Men's Basketball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_MBasketball), Facebook (AU.MBasketball) and Instagram (@au_mbasketball).