PRINCETON, N.J. -- T.J. Bray scored 18 points, Hans Brase had 12 and both players hit late layups to help Princeton prevail over George Mason 71-66 Tuesday night.

The Tigers (4-1) held an early three-point lead and closed the half on a 25-11 surge, coasting out to a 40-23 lead at the break.

George Mason (4-2) crawled back throughout the second half as Vaughn Gray hit a layup and Johnny Williams sank two free throws to tie the game at 66 with 1:21 remaining, but Brase answered with a layup.

Sherrod Wright couldn't connect on a jumper, and Bray made a layup with 12 seconds left to cut the Patriots' rally bid short.

Ben Hazel scored 14 points and Denton Koon added 10 for Princeton. Brase was a perfect 5 of 5 from the field.

Wright paced George Mason with 27 points on 10 of 16 shooting.