PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — Saint Joseph’s used a dominant first half to defeat George Mason 81-63 in an Atlantic 10 men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Hagan Arena.

The Hawks built a 44-25 halftime lead and never looked back before a crowd of 2,221. Derek Simpson led Saint Joseph’s with 23 points and eight assists. Jaiden Glover added 21 points for the Hawks, who improved to 18-10.

Riley Allenspach scored 23 points for the Patriots, who fell to 21-7. George Mason had won the teams’ previous meeting this month. Saint Joseph’s shot effectively to control the game, while George Mason struggled to close the gap after the intermission.