Mason Madness returns to the Patriot Center on Friday, Oct. 15, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Stock photo.

For the second consecutive season, the VCU Rams eliminated the Patriots from the Colonial Athletic Association postseason conference tournament with a 75-60 showing on March 6.

Highlighted by a career scoring effort from sophomore forward Ryan Pearson (22 points on 10-12 shooting), the Patriots were outdone by a late shooting spree by VCU’s junior guard Brandon Rozzell.

The season was over. Players hung their heads in disappointment. But George Mason fans – students who made the three hour trek Fairfax to Richmond, Va. – joined together in a loud ovation, honoring Coach Jim Larranaga and his men’s basketball team.

And after an exciting week in which the Washington Wizards filled the Patriot Center for the first midnight tip-off in the history of the NBA, the two week countdown to Mason’s very own brand of Midnight Madness has finally begun.

“Mason Madness has been one of the highlights each year. And that event gets better and better every time,” said Larranaga.

The annual Mason Madness is expected to draw crowds of more than 3,000 students into the Patriot Center on Friday Oct. 15. Beginning at 9:30 pm, the event will signify yet another promising campaign for the men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Performances will be highlighted by legendary NYC bucket drummer ‘Peter Rabbit’ along with special guest appearances from Doc Nix and the Green Machine, the Masonettes, Mason Cheerleaders and Urbanknowlogy 101. It will feature player and coach introductions of the men’s and women’s basketball programs, intersquad scrimmages and a slam dunk competition.
After a 238 day layoff for George Mason students and fans, the season will officially begin on Friday Oct. 15.

“On a Friday night at nine o’clock, I’ve got to think [Mason Madness] is the place to be,” said Larranaga.