GMU What!?!?!?

George Mason (16-12, 11-5) at Delaware (7-21, 3-13)

Mason is reeling with just 2 regular season games left before the CAA Tournament. They have lost 5 of 6 and are in danger of falling out of the top four of the CAA. However, Mason does control their own destiny and would earn a first round bye in the CAA Tournament with a win tonight, and then Saturday at home against Northeastern. A win Saturday is not likely, especially with the way the team has played in recent weeks, but a win tonight should be a sure thing. If Mason can't beat this horrible Delaware team then they might as well pack it in for the season.

The Blue Hens are in last place in the CAA and are essentially a two man team. G Jawan Carter averages 18.1 points per game, and G Alphonso Dawson averages 12.4 points per game. Every other player on the team averages 6.1 points per game or less. So game planning for the Blue Hens isn't very hard, Carter and Dawson can score their points, but shut down the rest of the team and you win. Mason G Cam Long has been struggling mightily during Mason's slide. Maybe a inferior opponent like the Blue Hens can help his confidence. Whether Cam wants it or not, he is the leader of the team. The chances of Mason winning when he doesn't play well are slim to none.

Mason has uncharacteristically struggled on the defensive end this season. Usually, a Coach Larranaga team that would score 83 points like Mason did Saturday against Charleston, would have been guaranteed a win. Since the Blue Hens have such few offensive weapons, a strong defensive effort should be expected for the Patriots.

This game has two possible extremes. If Mason plays how they should then it can be a much needed confidence building game for them. If Mason struggles and somehow loses to Delaware then the team will be completely deflated. I think Mason will play well enough to win and get some of their swagger back.

Prediction: George Mason 78, Delaware 66