FAIRFAX, Va., April 3 (UPI) -- Byron Allen hit 5-of-6 from the field in the first half Wednesday and sent George Mason to a 73-66 win over Santa Clara that evened the CBI championship series.
The teams will meet again Friday on George Mason's home floor to determine to title in the College Basketball Invitation. Santa Clara won the opening game in the best-of-three series 81-63.
George Mason scored eight of the game's first nine points, opened a 39-26 halftime lead and held off a charge in the second half while improving its record to 22-15.
Allen finished with 15 points. Sherrod Wright added 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Patriots.
Santa Clara (25-12) was led by Kevin Foster with 16 points.
Both teams finished fourth during the regular season in their league races -- George Mason in the Colonial Athletic Association and Santa Clara in the West Coast Conference.
