VCU (17-5, 9-4) at George Mason (15-9, 10-3)With football season now over (single tear) it is time to focus on college basketball. George Mason is a surprising 10-3 in CAA play, despite being one of the youngest teams in the country. I didn't expect much from Mason this year, but their recent 7-game winning streak raised mine and the rest of Mason fans expectations. Because of this, their recent two game slide has people concerned. It doesn't get any easier tonight as the Patriots host arch-rival VCU.
The Patriots are led by G Cam Long. Long is averaging 13.3 points a game and 3.1 assists. As he goes, so goes Mason. Cam will have to get back to the level he was playing during the 7-game winning streak for Mason to have a chance against VCU. Other guys that will have to step up tonight are F Ryan Pearson, who leads Mason in rebounding with 7.0 per game. Rebounding has been an issue all season for Mason, and it has been confusing to me that freshman F Johnny Williams hasn't seen more playing time, as he really the only big body Mason has. G Andre Cornelius has been shooting very well from three point land this year, while F Mike Morrison has been consistent with his inconsistency. The most promising freshman has been F Luke Hancock. Hancock is averaging 7.4 points per game, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. The future is very bright for him and when watching him play it is instantly recognizable that the talent level Mason is bringing in is light years ahead of where it was a couple of years ago.
The Rams got off to a slow start in CAA play but seem to be finding their groove. Early struggles were to be expected with them losing head coach Anthony Grant, and star PG Eric Maynor. F Larry Sanders has been an absolute beast, averaging 15 points and 9 rebounds per game. Pearson, Morrison, and Williams will have their work cut out for them. Sanders embarrassed Mason in the CAA championship last year, and he has the potential to do it again. G Joey Rodriguez is a great scoring and passing threat for the Rams, averaging 11.5 points and 6.1 assists per game. I wish Mason could get that kind of distribution from Cam. Other threats at the guard position for the Rams are Bradford Burgess and Brandon Rozzell.
I don't really have a good feeling about this game. The Rams have won 8 of their past 9 games with all 8 of those wins coming by double digits. Then again, the Patriots have always played well at home, and have won 17 straight home games in conference play. Hopefully a lot of people can make it to the game, despite the never ending snow we seem to be getting. ESPNU will be there and this is the type of game where the home crowd can make a huge difference. My head says VCU will win but my heart has to pick Mason.
Prediction: George Mason 69, VCU 65
1 comment:
few comments (to be a pain)
1) you could of mentioned that Cam had 4 games in a row of 20 games, and a game of 18 points during the win streak
2)Johnny did see substantial minutes in a few games (I can't remember which, but hes gotten more into the rotation, especially in CAA play, I think)
3)Luke started off well but has fallen off a bit because teams have scouted him, but still a bright future. Sherrod seems to be a bit more of a polished player and consistent lately though.
4) Cam is playing the 2 position, which means his job is more to score than pass (thus why he had those breakout games). A-corn has to do a better job of the distribution though to rival Rodriguez.
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