Coming into the game, both Davidson and Mason were 5-5 in conference play making this a crucial game for both teams. Davidson was looking to shake off a loss against Rhode Island and Mason looked to capitalize on their dub over La Salle.
Baskets simply did not go in for Davidson. The Wildcats didn’t get on the board until Gudmundsson drained a three, three minutes into the game. Davidson’s season average field goal percentage hovers around 43%, but were kept to below 38% by the Patriots. Even though Davidson was not performing well during the first half and Mason maintained the lead for the entirety of the half, the game was close with George Mason leading 31-29 at the half.
The second half made for an interesting game. Davidson made some major adjustments, drastically improving their shooting from the field to 53%. Aldridge lead his team with 24 points and 7 rebounds. The Patriots responded by out performing the Wildcats; shooting 58% from the field, 33% to their 27% from beyond the arc and keeping it one hundred from the charity stripe during the second half (missing only one during the whole game). Three Mason starters were perfect from the free throw line; Otis Livingston II, Jaire Grayer and Marquise Moore.
Marquise. BUCKETS. pic.twitter.com/D19UNNd5XX
— Mason Basketball (@MasonMBB) February 9, 2017
Jalen Jenkins had a phenomenal night shooting 69% and leading Mason with 23 points and 5 rebounds. Moore clinched his 14th double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Otis Livingston II struggled to make any threes but played well on both sides of the ball with 16 points, 4 defensive rebounds and 2 steals — O can really hustle.
Highlights from tonight’s #A10MBB @MasonMBB 76-69 win over @DavidsonMBB – great plays by both teams. pic.twitter.com/w25DXe7pes
— Atlantic 10 MBB (@A10MBB) February 9, 2017
Out rebounding opponents has been a key for Mason’s success this season and this game was not an exception. George Mason out rebounded Davidson 41 to 33. Marquise Moore’s ability to get to the ball has been crucial for Mason’s rebounding dominance. Today we learned that his departure from the program come May due to a little something called graduation, won’t necessary mean Mason won’t continue out rebound teams next season. Starters Grayer and Kier had 6 and 5 rebounds respectively. Kam, Daniel and Troy had a combined 9 rebounds coming off the bench. Moore’s stomach flu wasn’t contagious, but it seems that his hunger for rebounds has spread.
The Patriots return home to Fairfax for #MasonHC on Saturday against Fordham at 6pm EST. If you’re in the DMV area, this game is a must see. The players feed off our energy and it’s a chance for Mason to start a new streak as the W-L streak has been broken. Seriously, bring your friends. #FillEBA.
