After jumping to a quick 20-9 lead with 5:08 left in the first quarter, it looked like Mason would be able to cruise through the rest of the game with their comfortable lead. Mustangs entered the half with a 32-19 lead, with good offensive production from juniors Jake Johnson and Tim Brooks, who finished the game with eight and four points respectively. Senior Kevin “Rex” Montgomery was also a large presence, with several important feeds that resulted in Mustang baskets.

Despite their optimism entering the third quarter, this was the point when the Mustangs seemingly forgot how to rebound, giving Word of Life anywhere from one to four shots per possession. With about six minutes left in the third quarter, Mason’s lead had shrunk from 13 at the half to 7. Despite their lack of rebounding, the Mustangs were able to hold on with quality shooting from juniors Mike Schwengel (11 points) and Mike Straub (10 points). Thanks to some key blocks from Joel Chandler and quality performance from the bench, Mason was able to increase its lead in the fourth quarter and win by 12.