Bodog Beat

Luke Harangody led Notre Dame over George Mason. (AP Images)

Many pundits figured that No. 12 George Mason was a great sleeper pick for March Madness. After all, the Patriots were just two years removed from their shock Final Four appearance; they also had two seniors who were role players on the 2006 team.

Those prognosticators were silenced on Thursday night as No. 5 Notre Dame rolled to a comprehensive 68-50 victory.

Mason had few solutions for the human porcupine Luke Harangody. The big ND bruiser racked up 18 points and 14 rebounds, basically dominating a smallish Patriots team in the paint. ND was never really challenged in this game, getting out to a 33-21 halftime lead and then containing the Patriots for most of the second.

George Mason senior forward Will Thomas had a great final game in Gold and Green. He led the team in several statistical categories putting up 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

Stay tuned for all your March Madness first round results and recaps!

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