Tony Skinn was part of the greatest team in George Mason history, the 2006 squad that made a shocking run to the Final Four as an 11 seed under coach Jim Larrañaga. On Wednesday night, Skinn — now the Patriots' first-year coach — accomplished something even that George Mason team never did. Baraka Okojie scored all of his career-high 19 points in the second half, and George Mason rallied past No. 16 Dayton 71-67 on Wednesday night for the first home victory over a ranked foe in program history.
Jason Nelson scored 11 points and VCU never trailed after the opening minutes in a 49-47 victory against No. 18 Dayton on Friday night. The Rams went ahead 49-42 on a tip-in by Toibu Lawal with six minutes left, but attempted just four shots from the field the rest of the way. The Flyers (19-4, 9-2) fell to 0-2 in Virginia, having lost 69-64 at Richmond on Jan. 27.
DaRon Holmes II scored 25 of his 34 points in the second half, helping No. 21 Dayton rally past St. Bonaventure for a 76-71 victory on Friday night. Enoch Cheeks added 13 points as Dayton (18-3, 8-1 Atlantic 10) earned its second straight win since a 69-64 loss at Richmond last weekend. Holmes also grabbed seven rebounds and blocked four shots in a terrific all-around performance.
DaRon Holmes II is having the type of season that has the Dayton forward on the radar for national achievements. Holmes scored 22 points and Javon Bennett and Nate Santos each scored 13 to lead No. 16 Dayton to its 13th straight win, 66-54 over La Salle on Tuesday night. The Flyers (16-2, 6-0 Atlantic 10) made the biggest upward move this week in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll, gaining six places after wins over Saint Louis and Rhode Island.
Javon Bennett had 22 points and No. 21 Dayton won its 12th straight game, blowing past Rhode Island 96-62 on Saturday. Koby Brea was 5 for 7 from behind the arc and had 15 points for the Flyers (15-2, 5-0 Atlantic 10), who haven't lost in two months. DaRon Holmes II had 21 points.