FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) JeQuan Lewis scored a season high 26 points and Mo Alie-Cox had 14 points and nine rebounds sending VCU to a 73-64 win against George Mason in the Atlantic 10 Conference opener for both teams Friday night.

The Rams led 36-35 at halftime and never trailed after the break. Ian Boyd's jumper brought the Patriots to within 49-45 with 13:05 to play, and he made one of two free throws six minutes later to make 59-55, but they couldn't get closer.

Lewis' had a layup off a steal, Tillman had a free throw and Williams' jumper gave put VCU out front 17-7 early before the Patriots used a 13-6 run cutting the lead to three on Jaire Grayer's 3 with 7:30 left before the break.

Jalen Jenkins scored 12 for George Mason (10-4) and Grayer, Otis Livingston II, and Marquise Moore all scored 10 apiece.

VCU (11-3) had a 42-31 rebounding edge and scored 46 interior points. Justin Tillman collared 11 boards for the Rams.

Copyright 2016 by STATS LLC. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC is strictly prohibited.