GMU What!?!?

George Mason (16-7, 9-4) at Delaware (10-15, 4-9)

George Mason tries to end a 4 game road losing streak as they travel to Delaware tonight. Mason has lost those 4 road games by a total of 10 points, highlighting the fact that the team has trouble closing games. The main reason for this problem seems to be that Mason has no go to guy at the end of games. For the last few seasons Mason was fortunate to have guys like Will Thomas, Folarin Campbell, Lamar Butler, Tony Skinn, and Jai Lewis, who didn't shy from those big game situations. This year, despite having seniors in John Vaughan, Dre Smith, and Daryl Monroe they are lacking that edge.

One bright spot is that Mason definitely hasn't been losing to scrubs on the road. All of their road losses during this streak have come against teams with winning records in conference. However, the sign of a truly good, even great team is to be able to beat tough competition on the road.

Tough competition on the the road doesn't exist tonight with Delaware. Delaware did earn an impressive win in their last home game, beating Drexel in overtime but they are just 6-6 at home. Mason crushed them earlier this season at Patriot Center 78-55. The Blue Hens are led by their guards, Jawan Carter, Marc Egerson, and Alphonso Dawson. Egerson even leads the team in rebounding with 10.3 a game. Delaware can score but is weak on defense. Tonight is definitely an opportunity for Monroe, Ryan Pearson, and Louis Birdsong to have big games.

Mason will have to limit the shot opportunities Delaware's guards are afforded, something that has been an issue as of late. Another worrisome factor is that in 2 days Mason has a huge Homecoming game against first place Northeastern and could be caught looking ahead. Hopefully coach Jim Larranaga has gotten it into their heads that it has been proven that wins on the road are hard to come by, no matter who the competition. From a confidence standpoint this is a must win game for Mason. The road losing streak ends tonight.

Prediction: George Mason 72, Delaware 63