If you walked into EagleBank Arena in Fairfax back in December 2024, you wouldn’t have seen a matchup between blue bloods or a game dominating the ESPN ticker. But for anyone tracking the mid-major grind, Tulane vs George Mason was a masterclass in how momentum can shift a season. Honestly, it was one of those games that looked like a blowout on paper by halftime, yet told a much deeper story about two programs moving in opposite directions.
The George Mason Patriots eventually walked away with a 76-64 win. It wasn't just a win; it was their fifth straight victory, cementing a "methodical" identity under Tony Skinn. Meanwhile, for Ron Hunter’s Green Wave, it was the fifth consecutive loss in a season that was starting to feel like a runaway train heading the wrong way.
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The Decisive December Clash
Most people look at the final score and assume George Mason just coasted. Not really. Tulane actually jumped out to a 7-0 lead early on. You’ve seen this before—the underdog comes out swinging, the home crowd gets a little quiet, and for about four minutes, it feels like an upset is brewing.
Then the wheels came off.
The Patriots responded with a 19-3 run that basically ended the competitive portion of the evening before the hot dogs were even cold. By the time the halftime whistle blew, George Mason was up 45-27. Tulane’s shooting went ice cold, hitting just 34.6% in the first half. It’s hard to win on the road when you can't buy a bucket.
Stat Lines That Defined the Night
The box score from that Tulane vs George Mason game highlights a massive disparity in physical play.
- George Mason went to the free-throw line 24 times, knocking down 20.
- Tulane only managed 10 free-throw attempts.
- The Patriots dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Green Wave 37-28.
Darius Maddox and Brayden O’Connor were the catalysts for the Patriots, both dropping 17 points. Maddox, who had been dealing with an ankle injury, looked sharp, going 6-for-6 from the charity stripe. But the real "lunch pail" performance came from Jalen Haynes. He notched a double-double with 15 points and 12 boards, proving that Tulane just didn't have the interior presence to stop a determined Atlantic 10 frontcourt.
Tulane did try to make it interesting in the second half. They actually outscored the Patriots 37-31 in the final twenty minutes. Rowan Brumbaugh led the way with 12 points, and Gregg Glenn III pulled down 11 rebounds of his own. They got within nine points at one point (63-54), but that was the ceiling.
A Series Defined by Streaks
If you look at the all-time history between these two, it’s surprisingly one-sided lately. George Mason has won the last three meetings. Before the 2024 game, they escaped with a 69-66 nail-biter in New Orleans in 2023. In 2022, they won a neutral-site game in Chicago.
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Tulane’s lone win in the modern era came back in 2009, a 76-71 victory. It’s a weird rivalry because these teams aren't regional foes. They don't share a conference. They just keep finding each other in December, and George Mason keeps finding ways to ruin Tulane’s holiday season.
Why This Matchup Still Matters
Why should we care about Tulane vs George Mason in 2026? Because these games are the "Resume Killers" or "Resume Builders" for the NIT and NCAA Tournament bubbles.
Tony Skinn’s program has used these non-conference wins to prove that the A-10 is still a multi-bid league. For Tulane, these games represent the struggle of the AAC—a league where you have plenty of talent but often lack the depth to survive 20 personal fouls on the road.
The Green Wave has been in a bit of a transition period. Ron Hunter has been vocal about the challenges of a young roster. In that 2024 game, he even shuffled the starting lineup, putting Mari Jordan in for Asher Woods to try and spark something. It’s that constant tinkering that makes college hoops so fascinating.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Tulane is just a "finesse" team that wants to outscore you. While they do play fast, their real problem in matchups against George Mason has been the "points in the paint" battle. In their last meeting, Mason had a 30-18 advantage in the paint. You can’t live and die by the three-pointer when the other team is getting easy layups and second-chance points (where Mason had a 16-9 edge).
Moving Forward: Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're betting on or analyzing future matchups between these two, keep these points in mind:
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- Watch the Rebound Margin: Tulane historically struggles when they are out-rebounded by more than five. If George Mason controls the glass early, the game is usually over.
- The 10-Minute Mark: In their last three meetings, the team leading at the 10-minute mark of the first half has won every time. George Mason’s ability to "punch" early has been the difference.
- Free Throw Disparity: Tulane's aggressive defensive style often leads to high foul counts. If the refs are calling it tight, George Mason’s veteran guards will live at the line.
The next time Tulane vs George Mason pops up on the schedule, don't ignore it. It’s a litmus test for two programs trying to break into the top tier of their respective conferences.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the transfer portal entries for both schools this spring. The interior depth for the Green Wave will be the single biggest factor in whether they can finally snap their losing streak against the Patriots. Also, track the health of George Mason’s backcourt, as their efficiency in late-game situations has been the primary reason they've kept Tulane at arm's length for three years running.