Recap: George Mason vs. Georgia State

Richmond, VA (Sports Network) - Bryon Allen scored on a reverse layup with three seconds to play, as the George Mason Patriots survived the Georgia State Panthers, 61-59, in the quarterfinals of the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament at Richmond Coliseum.

Allen finished with eight points for the third-seeded Patriots (24-8), the team being led in scoring by Mike Morrison and Sherrod Wright with 12 and 10 points, respectively. George Mason now moves on to face second-seeded VCU on Sunday in the semifinals.

James Fields led sixth-seeded Panthers (21-11) with 15 points, while Rashaad Richardson finished with 10 points.

Both teams struggled with their shot in the opening period. George Mason made just 34.4 percent from the field, missing all but one of nine three-point attempts. GSU was slightly more accurate from the floor at 35.7 percent, including 2-of-7 from beyond the arc, as the Panthers went into halftime leading 30-25.

After a second half that featured five ties and five lead changes, Fields knotted the score at 59-59 on a steal and lay-in with 33 seconds remaining, setting the stage for Allen's game winner. A desperation heave at the buzzer could not find the rim, as the Patriots held on for the victory.

George Mason dominated the paint, outscoring GSU 42-24. The Panthers outscored the Patriots 18-15, in points off of turnovers.