Box Score Fairfax, VA – The UMBC men's basketball team tipped off the 2026-27 season with an 82-54 loss to the George Mason Patriots on Monday evening at EagleBank Arena. The game marked the debut of several new faces for the Retrievers and showcased moments of promise despite the final margin.

Freshman guard Aidan Able impressed in his collegiate debut, leading the Retrievers with 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Redshirt senior Devin Ceaser and junior guard Flash Burton each added 11 points, providing veteran stability for a UMBC lineup that blended youth and experience. In addition, sophomore forward Riley Jacobs added a team-best six rebounds.

The Retrievers fell behind 11-4 in the early minutes, struggling to find their rhythm offensively. However, Able and reserve forward JP Ndong sparked a brief rally with back-to-back three-pointers, narrowing the gap to just one point at the 14:02 mark.

The hosts responded with a 16-5 burst to take their largest lead of the opening half, 29-15, with 6:22 left.

UMBC climbed back into the contest and trimmed the deficit to 29-27 with 1:41 left in the stanza. Ceaser ignited a 12-0 run with a triple, and reserve forward Alpha Barry converted inside for consecutive buckets. Able then finished the stretch with a driving layup followed by a three-pointer.

George Mason scored the final four points to grab a 33-27 halftime advantage.

The Dawgs were within 35-32 at 18:35 after a jumper from Able, but the hosts rattled off 16 straight points in a three-minute stretch, widening the lead to 51-32.

The Retrievers got as close as 16 points, 61-45, with 8:41 remaining after a trifecta by Burton.

Efeoosa Oliogu-Elabor led the Patriots with 17 points, and five players reached double figures.

UMBC will look to bounce back when they travel to Marist on Thursday evening for the America East-Metro Challenge. The matchup offers an early opportunity for the Retrievers to regroup and build momentum as the young season continues.