Take it to the bank: How Bradley Braves upset George Mason in college basketball duel

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Xander Alarie took a page from Paul Pierce to author an upset story for the Bradley Braves on Saturday at the Showdown in St. Pete.

Alarie completed a Bradley comeback from eight points down in the second half to stun George Mason, 62-61, on a game-winning shot with 2 seconds left at McArthur Center on the campus of Eckerd College.

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The Braves, 13.5-point underdogs against the physically bigger, undefeated Patriots, put the ball in Alarie’s hands at the end.

He battled against a double-team on the right edge of the paint, maintained control, and fought up a shot from the right elbow that banked in for the lead.

Bradley then survived a desperate 3-point heave at the buzzer by George Mason to win its second straight game in Florida and post the Braves’ signature victory so far this season.

Bradley Braves forward Xander Alarie reacts after his game-winning shot went in with 2 seconds left in a 62-61 upset over George Mason at the Showdown in St. Pete on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026.

“Like Paul Pierce said, I call bank, called game,” said Alarie, joking, in postgame interview from Florida. “The play was drawn up for me to get the ball in the post and make a read. I thought I had to take a shot. I thought it was the right play. We executed well and got it done.

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“Last game (Bradley’s win Friday over Coppin State) I wasn’t happy with myself. I got in foul trouble both these games. I talked to my coaches and felt I had to respond. They told me they needed me, I need to step up and make plays, take shots and win games for my team.

“So that’s what I had to do.”

Bradley guard Trevon Peyton made consecutive 3-pointers 36 seconds apart for a 38-35 lead with 15:18 left.

But George Mason answered with a 12-2 run over the next 2:38, including three straight 3-pointers from Shane Pendergrass, to punch out a 47-40 lead.

The Braves trailed by as much as eight points with 6:33 remaining before making their final run.

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A 3-pointer by Payton off a…

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Publish date : 2026-11-14 21:50:00

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