ALLEGANY, NEW YORK - Javier Montava needed just 3 minutes and 31 seconds to write the story of an instant classic, slotting home the opening goal and setting the tone for what became an 11-goal thriller as George Mason edged St. Bonaventure 6-5 before 842 fans at Reilly Center.
The early breakthrough sparked a frenetic pace that neither team could control, with both squads creating chances in rapid succession. St. Bonaventure pushed hard for an equalizer, but George Mason's Martim Sereno doubled the lead just six minutes later, finding Elijah Jackson with a perfectly weighted through ball that Jackson finished clinically in the 9th minute.
The Bonnies refused to back down, with Kelly Janssen pulling one back in the 24th minute off James Eliuda's incisive pass. George Mason responded immediately, with Etienne Godin and Daniel Helle scoring within a minute of each other, assisted by Seth Hammond's clever distribution. St. Bonaventure's Janssen completed his brace just before halftime, but the visitors maintained their two-goal advantage.
The second half maintained the frenetic pace, with Callum Shillington netting his first of the season in the 55th minute off a beautifully orchestrated set piece involving Kyle Macfarlane and Seth Hammond. St. Bonaventure mounted a fierce comeback, with James Eliuda pulling one back in the 70th minute off Jaime Godinho's pinpoint cross. George Mason's Jacobo Sanfeliu restored the two-goal lead just four minutes later, but Neshawn Sutherland's header in the 81st minute kept St. Bonaventure's hopes alive.
The Bonnies pushed hard for an equalizer, but George Mason's defense held firm. Seth Hammond sealed the win with a clinical finish in the 86th minute, capping an extraordinary goalfest. The statistical ledger reveals a closely contested match, with both teams creating numerous chances - George Mason outshot St. Bonaventure 20-20 overall, while St. Bonaventure held a marginal advantage in shots on target (13-10).
George Mason's victory represents more than three points - it extends their winning streak to one game and improves their conference record to 3-1-1. For St. Bonaventure, the loss continues their slide, extending their losing streak to three games and leaving them 3-7-2 overall. The Bonnies will look to regroup against Dayton next, while George Mason travels to La Salle.
The afternoon belonged to the goal-scorers, with five different players finding the net for St. Bonaventure and six for George Mason. Seth Hammond's hat-trick of assists was a key factor in George Mason's victory, while Kelly Janssen's brace kept St. Bonaventure in the match. The victory was a testament to George Mason's ability to capitalize on their chances, while St. Bonaventure's inability to convert their shots on target ultimately proved costly.
As both teams look to their next opponents, the lessons from this instant classic will be invaluable. For George Mason, maintaining their current form will be crucial, while St. Bonaventure will need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities. The paths diverge sharply now, with George Mason seeking to build on their momentum against La Salle, while St. Bonaventure hosts Dayton looking to snap their losing streak.
Key Players:
Javier Montava (George Mason) – Slotted home the opening goal in the 3rd minute, setting the tone for George Mason's victory with a composed finish.
Kelly Janssen (St. Bonaventure) – Scored a crucial brace, keeping St. Bonaventure in the match with his clinical finishing and relentless pressure.
Seth Hammond (George Mason) – Orchestrated George Mason's attack with a hat-trick of assists, providing pinpoint passes that unlocked St. Bonaventure's defense.
James Eliuda (St. Bonaventure) – Scored a vital goal and created numerous chances, epitomizing St. Bonaventure's attacking spirit despite their ultimate defeat.
Martim Sereno (George Mason) – Provided the assist for Elijah Jackson's goal and created multiple scoring opportunities with his intelligent distribution and vision.