Northern Iowa pulls away late to beat George Mason 73-65

FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) Paul Jesperson scored nine of his 19 points in the final two minutes to help Northern Iowa pull away and beat George Mason 73-65 on Tuesday night.

Jesperson made three 3-pointers and grabbed 12 rebounds. Wes Washpun had 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting for Northern Iowa (6-2).

Marquise Moore had 15 points and Otis Livingston II 13 for George Mason (4-6). Shevon Thompson added eight points with 10 rebounds.

Jesperson made a 3 to stretch the Panthers' lead to 53-47 with eight minutes left. Thompson made a layup and Livingston a 3-pointer to pull George Mason to 53-52 with five minutes to play. Matt Bohannon answered with a 3, and Washpun made a layup to make it 58-52.

Jesperson made a 3-pointer and six free throws, and the Panthers led 67-54 with a minute left.

Livingston's first shot in the opening minute gave the Patriots their only lead.