San Juan, PR (Sports Network) - Isaiah Armwood's first career field goal proved to be the difference, as the freshman's three-pointer with 17.6 seconds remaining in regulation lifted No. 5 Villanova to a 69-68 comeback victory over George Mason in the first round of the Puerto Rico Tip-off.
The Wildcats (3-0) trailed by four in the final minute before consecutive thee-balls from Maalik Wayns and Armwood stole the victory away from George Mason (2-1), which went 4-for-8 from the foul line down the stretch and failed to get a shot off during its final possession.
Scottie Reynolds led 'Nova with 18 points, while Corey Fisher hit 14 free throws to make up for a 1-for-14 effort from the field. Antonio Pena ended with 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats, who had four players foul out in the win.
Ryan Pearson recorded 14 points and six rebounds for the Patriots, who received 13 points apiece from Cam Long and Andre Cornelius.
Villanova will next play No. 18 Dayton on Friday in the winner's bracket of the tournament after the Flyers knocked off Georgia Tech, 63-59, in the day's first game.