Vaughan Collaspes, Patriots lose

UPDATE 12:45 pm: ESPN is reporting that Vaughan will be out at least a week:

"Vaughan was released from Beth Israel Hospital in Boston early Thursday morning after a CT scan came back negative. Larranaga and Vaughan were scheduled to fly back to Virginia later in the day; George Mason's staff and players flew home earlier in the morning for the first day of classes."

It seems John Vaughan will be fine. Andy Katz has an update on him here. For those we didn't see the game here is the official word from GoMason.com:

"Vaughan, who had 19 points to lead Mason on Wednesday night, took a blow to the head with 2:16 to play as the teams fought for a rebound. On the play, Northeastern's Nkem Ojougboh was fouled. Vaughan was on the floor briefly before being helped to his feet by his teammates. At the other end, Ojougboh made his first free throw before Vaughan collapsed in the lane. After more than 15 minutes, Vaughan, who regained consciousness while on the court, was taken to the hospital to be evaluated."

A scary scene to watch and it looked to me ask if he was having the after effects of a severe concussion, which is nothing to take lightly. More to follow later today.

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As for the game, it was one that actually came down to the last second with the Patriots failing to get a shot off for the win. John Vaughan and Cam Long were making shots to keep the Patriots in it the entire game. In the first half it was obvious that Mason was trying to go inside to score but they had little success and Northeastern jumped out to an early lead. There was a lot less turnovers in this game than was expected and the Huskies actually committed more than the Patriots. Both teams shot the ball well but had trouble getting open looks. Cam Long seemed to hit every shot he took but kind of disappeared late in the 2nd half. Dre Smith, who along with Vaughan didn't start because of missing a team meal, only mustered one three-pointer. His absence in the offense really showed. Darryl Monroe never really got started, even after Northeastern's Manny Adako got into foul trouble early. Adako finished with only 9 but scored the winning points for his squad. Mason could not stop Matt Janning who finished well over his average by scoring 20. It was not one of the Patriots best defensive efforts but Huskies played very well and never let the Patriot's runs take over the lead. Late the game the TV broadcasters pointed out that the Patriots had 0 fast break points and they may have ended up with 2 or 4; but I don't understand why they didn't try to run and push the tempo. Northeastern was bigger and slower and it could have been a real advantage for Mason. And I love the balanced attack the Patriots are sporting but not when it keeps guys like Cam Long from taking more shots. The guy had the hot hand last night and Patriots weren't running plays for him.