Campbell Scores 25, Patriots Keep Rolling

George Mason 75, Drexel 65

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 7 -- George Mason's spectacular run late in the first half was not enough to extinguish last-place Drexel's upset hopes. The Patriots' rush late in the second half, though, did the trick.

With the game tied with about six minutes remaining, Folarin Campbell triggered a nine-point burst and guided the Patriots to their seventh victory in eight games, a 75-65 decision Thursday night at Daskalakis Athletic Center that kept Mason one game behind front-runner Virginia Commonwealth in the Colonial Athletic Association race.

Campbell continued his torrid pace, equaling his career high with 25 points, and Will Thomas contributed 17 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals for the Patriots (17-6, 9-3), who had significantly less difficulty with the Dragons (9-15, 2-10) during a 47-point victory in November in Fairfax.

"We're in a rhythm and everyone is confident," said Campbell, who is averaging nearly 21 points the past five games and has made 16 of 29 three-pointers and 18 of 20 free throws during that stretch. "It's just a matter of staying patient and letting the game come to you. It's been great for me."

Campbell made the key shot, a tiebreaking three-pointer from the top of the key that sparked a game-ending 17-7 run. It was not as impressive as the 26-4 burst in the first half but it did finally put away the Dragons, who have lost six straight.

"He's become Folarin Campbell," Mason Coach Jim Larranaga said of his senior guard, who struggled early in the season but has thrived since being shifted to point guard in late December. "Right now he's playing at an extremely high level with a lot of confidence and when he gets his opportunities, he is really taking advantage of them."

The start to each half was troublesome for the Patriots. With Scott Rodgers (18 points) and Tramayne Hawthorne (17) hitting three-pointers and the Dragons making 10 of 14 field goals, the Patriots found themselves with a 24-11 deficit. Larranaga called a timeout, and from there, his team dominated with pressure defense and an efficient half-court offense.

Thomas started the run with a layup and finished it 6 1/2 minutes later with a power move for a three-point play and a 37-28 lead.

The Dragons went 7 1/2 minutes without a field goal until Frank Elegar dunked and hit a free throw with 20 seconds to go, providing a spark heading into the second half. Drexel's momentum continued with three three-pointers in six minutes to pull within one.

The Patriots hit their first six shots to maintain a precarious lead, but turnovers and Drexel's effective penetration became a recurring issue. The game was even at 58 when Campbell nailed his decisive three-pointer, Louis Birdsong added two free throws and an eight-footer, and Campbell followed with six straight points. Defensively, the Patriots' zone held Drexel without a field goal for five minutes.

"We came out really flat, but we played better defense as the game went on," Thomas said. "Things are going well for us; we've just got to keep it going."

Mason Notes: John Vaughan did not start because of a shoulder injury suffered in practice this week and entered at the first timeout. Elegar, the Dragons' leading scorer, had just five points in a reserve role after missing last weekend's game with back spasms.