On Saturday, George Mason (11-8, 5-1) took on Fordham (9-9, 0-5) in their first game back home.
In the first half, Fordham outscored Mason 38-34 going 14-28 from the field, 5-12 from behind the arc, and recorded 12 rebounds. Even though the Patriots played a decent first couple minutes, the Rams still managed to take control of the game.
Mason had a decent half as well going 12-23 from the field, 5-12 from behind the arc, and recorded 16 rebounds. However, the Patriots’ defense was weak at times, allowing easy cuts to the basket and open players on the 3-point line.
In the second half, the Patriots scored 37 points going 12-28 for FGs, shooting less than 45 percent, and going 4-15 from three. Additionally, Mason recorded 15 rebounds and 3 turnovers.
The Rams kept up with the Patriots throughout this entire half until about the 3-minute mark. They went 10-27 from the field, 5-14 from behind the arc, recording 30 points. Fordham also registered 19 rebounds and 9 turnovers.
GEORGE MASON WINS 71-68 OVER FORDHAM
Justin Kier led the team tonight with 18 points, going 7-13 from the field, 1-2 from three, and recorded 9 rebounds. He was one rebound shy of his 7th double-double in 9 games.
Otis Livingston II was close behind, he recorded 17 points in this one, going 4-11 from the field, 2-6 from three, and 6 helpers. He also had the game-winning three-pointer at the end:
DAGGER!!! #otis pic.twitter.com/C18ZYh4oBi
— By George. (@ByGeorgeGMU) January 20, 2019
While rebounding was the same for both squads (31-31), it felt like Mason was lackluster when it came to getting into the paint for rebounds. There were many shots were either the shooter didn’t follow the shot or there was just no one underneath the basket.
Looking for a rebound like: pic.twitter.com/WrEsmmnrPs
— By George. (@ByGeorgeGMU) January 20, 2019
Fordham’s Nick Honor cut through our 3-point defense so easily in this one. There were many times in which he put up uncontested shots. The Patriots need to stay strong on the perimeter if they want to contend.
The Patriots’ highest lead of the entire game was three points. Again, if the Patriots want a chance at the title, they’ll have to play much better against teams like 0-5 Fordham.
Anyway.
George Mason takes on Dayton on the road on Wednesday and GW on Saturday.
See you then.
