The George Mason High School boys basketball team went up big early and held off Falls Church High School to win 56-48 in the opening round of the Joe Cascio Holiday Classic Tuesday.

Mason junior Philippe Griffiths lead the Mustangs with 16 points while junior Jeremy Stewart dropped 12 with eight rebounds, five assits and two blocks. Senior Crawford Taylor also scored 12 points.

The Mustangs, who have won three straight and sit at 5-2 on the year, face Route 7 rivals George Marshall High today, Wednesday, at 3:30 p.m.