George Mason's poise and experience were too much for talented, but young Kansas State.

"Physical talent. Everybody recognizes that, and we put so much emphasis on the more talented team should win," said George Mason Coach Jim Larranaga after the Patriots upset the Wildcats (No. 20 ESPN/USA Today, No. 18 AP) 87-77 in the opening round of the Old Spice Classic on Thursday night.

"But there's all different kinds of talent. Experience gives you a talent of understanding. If you're smart, and you use that experience and recognize things then you counterbalance physical talent. I think that's what our seniors did tonight."

John Vaughan scored 21 points, and Folarin Campbell and Will Thomas each added 18 for the George Mason (4-0), which has won four straight to start a season for the first time in school history.