GMU What!?!?

NIT 1st Round

#7 George Mason (22-10) at #2 Penn State (22-11)

George Mason travels to Penn State in the First Round of the NIT Tournament. This is Mason's first appearance in the NIT since 2005, when they were defeated in the Round of 16 by Oregon after wins against Tennessee and Austin Peay. Penn State would rather be playing in the NCAA Tournament but just missed the cut as Minnesota and Wisconsin were taken as the last teams from the Big 10.

Penn State is the favorite in this one, mainly because of how poorly Mason has played on the road this year. Penn State finished the season 15-3 at home and it will be a very tough atmosphere to Mason to go into and try to win. The Nittany Lions are a three headed monster led by guards Taylor Battle, their leading scorer, and Stacey Pringle, a danger on and off the court (Pringle was brought up on charges of public masturbation last year). The final piece is forward Jamelle Cornley, who leads the team in rebounds. Mason's guards, John Vaughan, Dre Smith, and Cam Long will have to be up to the challenge on the defensive end. Mason will also need a good effort out of Daryl Monroe and could use a spark from their bench from either Mike Morrison or Ryan Pearson.

I think that this game will be close for the first half and most of the second. I think Mason will come out motivated to bounce back from their ugly loss to VCU. I think the Nittany Lions will suffer from a bit of a hangover from being snubbed. However, late in the game I expect the crowd to carry the Nittany Lions to victory. I just don't think Mason has any player that they can count on to take over a game. That is essential to winning on the road.

Prediction: Penn State 70, George Mason 62