GMU What!?!?

Drexel (14-10, 10-5) at George Mason (17-8, 10-5)

This is a huge game for Mason. As I have said before Mason's goal for the remainder of the year is to finish in the top 4 in the CAA. That would guarantee them a first round bye in the CAA Tournament and give them one less day they would have to play to win the championship. Mason enters this game in third, tied with their opponent for tonight, the Drexel Dragons. The loser of this game will fall to fourth and possibly further, with three teams (ODU, JMU, and Hofstra) sitting just a game back of these two.

This is the rematch from their game against each other in early December. Looking back now based on how the season has transpired, it is amazing that Mason went to Drexel and won. Imagine that, beating a quality team on the road. It was a tight game that came right down to the buzzer, as Mason survived with a 56-55 win. Mason won the game on the back of its defense, as their leading scorers on offense were Cam Long, John Vaughan, and Daryl Monroe, each with just 9 points.

Like most CAA teams Drexel is guard heavy. They are led in scoring by G Scott Rodgers, averaging 13.5 points a game. They are similar to Mason in how balanced they are on the offensive end. G Gerald Colds, G Tremayne Hawthorne, G Jamie Harris, and F Evan Neisler all average at least 8 points a game. The Dragons struggle to score and if Mason can jump on them early, like they did with Hofstra a few weeks ago, it could get ugly for the Dragons.

In the first game, Mason held Drexel to just 2-12 shooting from the 3 point line. It has become apparent that when Mason can guard the three well, they win. Although the win over Northeastern on Saturday righted the ship somewhat for Mason, Drexel comes into this one with more confidence. They have won 9 of 11 and beat first place Northeastern on the road in their last road game.

I have incorrectly predicted three straight Mason games, showing just how hard they are to figure out. Mason is now 12-0 at home and although I am nervous about jinxing them, I believe they get a key win tonight.

Prediction: George Mason 63, Drexel 54