FAIRFAX, Va. -- Justin Kier scored 22 points, including the go-ahead layup late in the second half, and George Mason slipped past Morgan State for an 86-79 win Friday night.

George Mason (6-7) trailed most of the game but stayed close, tying the score at 69 and then at 71-all before edging into its first lead of second half with Kier's layup to make it 73-71 with under 3:39 left.

Morgan State's LaPri McCray-Pace hit a jumper to knot the game again at 73 before Kier hit the bucket to put George Mason on top for good with under three minutes to play. Otis Livingson II quickly padded the advantage with a layup and the Patriots held on from there.

Jaire Grayer added 19 points and Goanar Mar and Livingston had 14 apiece for George Mason, which shot 53 percent from the field.

Morgan State, which has lost five in a row, was led by Tiwian Kendley's 31 points. Phillip Carr added 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Bears (4-7) and David Syfax had 11 points.