Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
George Mason
Chippewa Defense Sparks Dramatic Come-From-Behind Win
11/22/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 22, 2002
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MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University seven-footer Chris Kaman scored 25 points and the Chippewas made key defensive stops down the stretch as CMU won its season opener over George Mason on Friday night, 61-58.
GMU's Richard Tynes converted a pair of free throws with 4:16 remaining to give the Patriots a 58-51 lead. However, the Chippewas stopped GMU on its final eight possessions of the game to secure the win.
Central Michigan went 8-for-10 from the line in the final four minutes and CMU's lone field goal was a dunk by Kaman with 1:14 left on one of his own passes that was deflected right back to him under the hoop.
"We had fresh legs and were able to execute down the stretch," CMU coach Jay Smith said. "We were locked in on their guys defensively and we really made some big plays like when Whitney Robinson forced a five second call late."
Kaman's 10 rebounds gave him his ninth career double-double. J.R. Wallace added nine points and Mike Manciel seven.
Mark Davis led the Patriots with 22 points, six rebounds and three three-pointers. Jon Larranaga and Raoul Heinen each added 12 points.
"We didn't trust ourselves defensively," George Mason coach Jim Larranaga said. "We didn't need to foul and reach at the end. CMU made the most of its free throw opportunities and was able to pressure us at the end. We've got a short bench and as the game wore on we got tired because of the constant pressure of CMU's guards."
"The game came down to us committing fouls when we had the lead."
Statistically the game was even with CMU winning the battle of the boards, 34-32. George Mason shot .435 from the field while CMU was just behind at .420. The Patriots had 21 turnovers to CMU's 18. GMU held a 28-26 halftime lead.
The Chippewas host their second straight game next Tuesday (Nov. 26) against Illinois State. It is another doubleheader with the CMU women hosting Oakland at 5:30 p.m., and the Chippewa men meeting the Redbirds at 7:30 p.m.
George Mason plays at Southern Illinois on Sunday.
