FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) -Ryan Pearson had 19 points as George Mason overcame a slow start for a 60-44 victory over Dartmouth on Sunday.

The win was the 18th straight at home for the Patriots (2-0).

George Mason led just 28-24 at halftime, but came alive midway through the second half.

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The Patriots used a full-court, pressing defense to spark a 9-0 run and take a 41-30 lead with 12:05 to play. George Mason then put the game away with a 12-0 run that pushed the lead to 56-36 with 4 minutes remaining.

Pearson, who also had 10 rebounds, had 12 of his 19 points in the first half. Luke Hancock finished with 12 points for George Mason, while Mike Morrison added 11 points and 10 rebounds.

David Rufful was the lone scorer in double figures for the Big Green (0-2), finishing with 13 points.

On Thursday, the Patriots take on No. 5 Villanova in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off.