Santa Clara 81, George Mason 73

Apr 2, 2013, 02:25 am

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Kevin Foster scored 28 points, Evan Roquemore added 20, and Santa Clara beat George Mason 81-73 on Monday night in Game 1 of the College Basketball Invitational finals.

Marc Trasolini had 17 points and Raymond Cowles III scored 10 for the Broncos (25-11). Foster shot 7 for 15 from the field, including 5 for 11 on 3-pointers, and 9 for 11 on free throws.

Jonathan Arledge had 23 points to lead George Mason (21-15). Patrick Holloway scored 17 points and Bryon Allen had 15 points and eight assists.

Santa Clara shot 44 percent (23 for 52) from the field, including 10 for 24 (42 percent) on 3s.

Game 2 of the best-of-three series is Wednesday in Fairfax, Va. The Patriots will also host Game 3, if necessary, on Friday.