Good Morning Patriots. We’re Going Bananas!

No, it’s not just how the Holiday Season is going, we’re really going bananas!

We’ll explain that and much more!

What all is stirring in today’s Brew? Check it out!

🍌 Going Bananas (AGAIN!)
🏊 Crown Him
🎅 Spreading Holiday Cheer
​⭐ And much, much more!

🎬 BUDDY AND THE PATRIOTS

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

Ok ok, no singing will be required, but there will be plenty of holiday spirit when the Mason men’s basketball team hosts a special showing of “Elf” on December 17th.

Patriot fans and families can join the men’s squad from 3-6pm at University Mall Theaters.

Pictures with the team will be available and a surprise visit from the Mason Basketball Santa and his elves!

🎟: Secure Your Tickets To The Event TODAY!

📈 STOCK UP

🔺 Goin’ Bananas (AGAIN!). In 2022, Danny Hosley graduated from Mason and as most college baseball players, thought his playing days may be behind him.

That was until he received an email and phone call about the Savannah Bananas, a new form of professional baseball that was taking the world by storm.

Now, it was announced this week that Hosley is set to return for his second season in 2024.

The Vienna, Va. native played one season with the Patriots as a grad student, playing in all 52 games in 2022 in both the infield and making 12 appearances on the mound.

In 2024, Hosley and the Bananas will unleash a 30+ city tour beginning in February that includes two stops in Virginia (Nats Park and Norfolk).

🔺 Make It Two. For the second time in a month, Mason wrestling is taking home a weekly accolade.

Redshirt sophomore Nathan Higley was named the MAC East Wrestler of the Week for his performances this past weekend for the Green & Gold.
 
It's the second time a Patriots wrestler has claimed the weekly conference award this season. DJ McGee (157) won the honor on November 21.

The Sulivan County, Pa., native finished the week with a 7-0 record, including five bonus points victories, to remain undefeated at 8-0 on the season.

🏆: More On Higley’s Award-Winning Weekend

🔺 Rocky Topped. When you’re taking on one of the best teams in the country, lessons are learned and growth is made.

That’s what the Mason men’s basketball team took from Tuesday night’s showdown with 17th-ranked Tennessee as the Patriots dropped a 87-66 decision to a tough Vols squad.

"This was a tough one for us. We know what type of team Tennessee is," Coach Skinn said. "Despite their early season struggles, that's not who they are. On both ends they were really tough. They took us out of our offense. They were a load in the paint – we've been pretty good at defending our paint, but tonight was uncharacteristic of who we are."

Senior Darius Maddox led the Green & Gold with 15 points and five rebounds. Classmate Woody Newton added a career-best 13 points and grabbed four rebounds.

📝: Recapping the Trip to Knoxville
🔢: Inside the Boxscore

🔺 Crown Him. When you have the last name of ‘Crown’, winning awards seems only right.

That’s exactly what freshman Alex Crown of Mason’s men’s swimming & diving team did this week as the newcomer was named Atlantic 10 Men’s Rookie Performer of the Week.

He was recognized for his weekend at the Patriot Invitational, where he recorded three top-five finishes.

📝: Recapping Alex’s Award-Winning Performance

🔺 Historic Mark. In 2018, the NCAA started using NET rankings, a formula that was created to assist in the NCAA Tournament selection process.

Throughout the season, NET rankings will be updated and released with the first edition coming out this week.

Off to the best start since 1983-84, the Patriots find themselves 62nd nationally, the highest-ever mark achieved by the Green & Gold.

🎅 SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

This week, members of the Mason men’s soccer team spent a day serving with the local Salvation Army, ringing bells and spreading some holiday cheer throughout the community!

Well done fellas!

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Just use code GMU23 to make the most of this tasty offer!

🤔 PATRIOT TRIVIA

On Tuesday night in Knoxville, Darius Maddox led the Green & Gold with 15 points.

How many straight games has Maddox scored 13+ points for the Patriots?

Think you got it?

Scroll on down to the bottom of this email for the answer!

Patriot Trivia is sponsored by our official Student Housing Partner,
The Main on University

🎁 THE GIVING SEASON

One of our favorite events of the year is now happening!

The annual Mason Basketball Toy Drive!

Bring a toy to the EagleBank Arena box office for each of our next four home games and receive $5 off your ticket!

📅 WHAT’S ON TAP?

Saturday, December 9
🏀 Women’s Basketball at Mount St. Mary’s @ 1pm

Saturday, December 16
🏀 Men’s Basketball vs. Loyola (Md.) @ 6pm

Monday, December 18
🏀 Women’s Basketball at East Carolina @ 6pm

Tuesday, December 19
🏀 Men’s Basketball vs. Bridgewater @ 7pm

📬 STICK WITH US

Did someone send you the Patriot Brew? Well, the first thing you should do is thank them. The next thing you should do is subscribe here and get it in your inbox every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning just in time for your first cup of coffee!

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: 6.

Tuesday night’s 15-point performance extended Darius’ streak to six straight games with 13 or more points.

Patriot Trivia is sponsored by our official Student Housing Partner,
The Main on University

⭐️ Enjoy your Wednesday, y’all!