FAIRFAX, Va. – Sheldon Edwards erupted for a career-high 27 points (7-12 FG, 6-10 3PT, 7-8 FT) helping Loyola Chicago to a comeback victory at George Mason, 85-79. He was one of four Ramblers in double-figures as they handed the Patriots their second loss on their home court this season.
 
Loyola improves to 16-7 overall and 8-2 in league play.
 
"Sheldon has been an amazing teammate this year," said head coach Drew Valentine. "His mindset has changed, and he's a guy we recruited for a reason. He's had to be patient. I am proud Sheldon was prepared for the moment. He is an incredibly value piece of this program. Love having him around."
 
How It Happened
The first half was a game of runs ending in favor of the Patriots. George Mason used a 12-0 stretch between the 17 and 13-minute marks to jump out and lead 18-8. Des Watson and Sheldon Edwards broke up the stretch with two straight threes ahead of the 12-minute media. Edwards' three sparked an 8-0 run for the Ramblers capped with a pair from the line by Philip Alston to get the Ramblers within one.
 
GMU responded with its own 8-0 stretch to cancel out the work by Loyola. Edwards hit another from deep at the 6:38 mark cutting the lead down to five, but seven unanswered points from the Patriots made it a double-digit lead again.
 
The Ramblers scored seven of the final 12 points, but Darius Maddox hit a buzzer beater three to hold on to a 44-36 lead for the Patriots at the half.
 
The Ramblers used the first four minutes and a 13-4 run to take their first lead since early in the first half. Watson's three with 15:51 on the clock made it 49-48 in favor of Loyola. The Patriots wouldn't find a lead over five as the Ramblers managed to tie the game four times between 10:46 and 7:15.
 
Edwards hit back-to-back threes under the six-minute mark to tie it once more and regain a lead, 71-68. Alston completed an 8-0 run with a drive inside to put Loyola ahead by five. Despite George Mason's four attempts at making it a one-possession game, the Ramblers held strong at the free throw line down the stretch to come away with an 85-79 win.
 
Inside the Box Score
- Edwards became the sixth Rambler to notch a 20-point performance this year. It was the 11th 20-point performance for Loyola. 
- He finished with a career-high in points (27) and steals (5).
- Watson is on a three-game double-figure scoring streak after finishing with 14.
- Alston (14) and Rubin (12) also scored double-digits.
- The Ramblers committed a season-low six turnovers, while forcing 17. They capitalized on GMU's errors converting them to 19 points.
- Loyola shot 50.9 percent from the field to George Mason's 59.5 percent.
 
Up Next
Loyola continues on the road in DC with a Saturday game at George Washington. Tipoff is 11 a.m. CT.