FAIRFAX, Va. - First-half momentum failed to carry through for American University men's basketball as George Mason (10-1) ran away from the Eagles (3-5) with a huge second half, winning 68-53 on Saturday night at EagleBank Arena.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• AU turned a three-point halftime lead into a six-point lead three minutes into the second half, but the final 17 minutes of the game were dominated by George Mason.
• The Eagles trailed by a point, 41-40 at 14:18, and put just four points on the board over the next 11 minutes.
• By the 3:53 mark of the second half, Mason had built an 18-point, 62-44 lead. The Patriots capitalized on AU miscues, particularly in the second half with a 12-0 advantage in points off turnovers.
• The first half saw five ties and five lead changes along with a huge cold spell for both teams.
• After an AU bucket at 9:54, just five points were scored - all on free throws - over a stretch of nearly seven minutes.
• It was Mason with the six-point advantage as the Patriots ended the shooting drought at 3:10, but AU held them to just two points the rest of the way and closed the half on an 11-2 run for a 30-27 lead at the break.
• Mark Gasperini and Jacob Boonyasith led the Eagles with eight first-half points, and Gasperini finished as the only Eagle with double figures in scoring, hitting 6-of-9 for 13 points. He was one rebound shy of a double-double, tying for game-high honors with nine.
• AU out-rebounded Mason 39-33 with all players in the game getting at least one board. Stacy Beckton Jr. corralled eight rebounds and Sa'eed Nelson added six boards to seven points and three assists.

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).