COL BKB: Notre Dame 68, George Mason 50

DENVER, March 21 (UPI) -- Luke Harangody scored 18 points Thursday and Notre Dame used an early onslaught to defeat George Mason 68-50 in the NCAA Tournament's East Region.

The Fighting Irish, seeded fifth, will meet Washington State in the second round Saturday.

George Mason, which enjoyed an amazing run to the Final Four two years ago, had a 7-6 lead before Notre Dame ripped off 17 consecutive points. The Patriots fought back to within 12 at halftime, but could not make a serious threat in the second period.

Kyle McAlarney added 15 points for Notre Dame (25-7), Ryan Ayers had 12 and Zach Hillesland 11.

George Mason (23-11) was led by Will Thomas with 25 points. The Patriots made only 33 percent of their shots from the field and could connect on just three of 17 attempts from three-point range.