Louis Birdsong and Andre Cornelius scored 19 points apiece to lead George Mason to a 77-71 victory over East Carolina on Saturday.
The Patriots (3-1) made four free throws in the last 14 seconds to hold off the Pirates (3-1), who were led by Sam Hinnant with 27 points.
East Carolina held a 39-38 lead at halftime, but George Mason opened the second half with an 8-2 run. The Patriots built a seven-point lead on Dre Smith's jumper with 12:34 left in the game, but East Carolina tied the score at 66 with 4:18 remaining.
The Patriots scored six unanswered points, then Jontae Sherrod made a 3-pointer and Darrius Morrow made a jumper to pull within two points at 73-71. Darryl Monroe and John Vaughan each hit two free throws to seal the win for George Mason.
Chad Wynn added 11 points for the Pirates.
