WVU runs to victory in Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Devin Williams had 16 points and 10 rebounds as West Virginia dominated George Mason 91-65 in the first round of Puerto Rico Tip-Off Thursday.
Johnathan Holton added 16 points and seven rebounds. As a team the Mountaineers (3-0) finished with 16 steals and forced 24 turnovers by the Patriots (1-2). For Williams it was his third straight double-double. It was the 11th of the sophomore’s career.
Williams played sparingly in the final 20 minutes being sent to the floor after a collision underneath the basket.
But he was able to walk off under his own power.
Patrick Holloway led the Patriots with 17 points.
West Virginia used its quickness in the first half to speed up George Mason’s offense, racking up 10 steals and forcing 16 Patriots’ turnovers. Those turnovers led to 19 Mountaineers’ points, including several dunks.
The dominance extended inside the paint, where West Virginia outscored George Mason 24-8 for the half and 40-26 for the game.
George Mason entered the game having committed just 18 turnovers combined in its first two outings.
George Mason: To go along with its turnover problems, the Patriots also struggled from the free throw line, connecting on just 16 of their 32 attempts. …This is George Mason’s second appearance in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, having played in the event in 2009.
West Virginia: The Mountaineers improved to 4-0 all-time against George Mason. …West Virginia has now won 84 of its last 101 games when scoring 70 or more points. …This is the Mountaineers’ third appearance in Puerto Rico. They won the 1997 San Juan Shootout and finished second in the 2010 Puerto Rico Tip-Off.
West Virginia plays Boston College in second round Friday. George Mason falls to the consolation bracket where it will meet New Mexico.