Heading into one of their most important games this season, George Mason (13-8, 7-1) will take on VCU (14-6, 5-2) on the road in Richmond.
This contest marks the 60th time these two programs have battled, with VCU leading the series 39-20. Additionally, Mason is only 6-21 in the Siegel Center, with the Patriots’ most recent win coming off the hands of Ian Boyd on Feb. 28 by a score of 81-80.
VCU is coming off of an 80-74 win over Duquesne, a team that has been dominant lately. However, the Rams have lost to Davidson and URI in conference play. Rhode Island was one of the teams that Mason won over on the road convincingly.
The Patriots are still on their program-best 7-1 record in conference play, and is currently on a five-game winning streak, with their only loss coming to Davidson. We’ll see if the Patriots can stay undefeated on the road (4-0 this season) as they roll into RVA.
Breaking Down VCU
Let’s kick this party off right.
Y’all already know 🍺 🍻 #BeatVCU @VCUNatlTitles pic.twitter.com/aJmlJ3q6XM
— GMU Giant Killer (@GMUGiantKiller) February 2, 2019
The Rams have played some great defense this season, only allowing opponents to score fewer than 60 points in 9 contests. This is something that the Rams did only twice all of last year.
VCU’s three-point defense is nationally ranked, coming in at number four in the country, allowing opponents to shoot only 27 percent from behind the arc.
Players to Watch:
Marcus Evans checks in leading the Rams averaging 13.8 ppg, and with 55 assists on the season. Don’t let him drive to the basket, he’s lethal.
De’Riante Jenkins is second on the team in points averaging 12.0 and is also averaging 3.6 rpg. Mason will need to guard him well on the outside, he’s shooting 34 percent on the season from three.
Marcus Santos-Silva is averaging 7.1 rebounds per game and 9.5 ppg. The Patriots will need to limit Santos-Silva as the Rams out rebound Mason 37.3 – 34.5.
Breaking Down George Mason
Mason has won 7 of their last eight games and 11 of the last 14.
Otis Livingston II led the team in the last game out against GW with 15 points, going 5-15 from the field, 2-6 from three, and 3 had three turnovers.
Justin Kier recorded his 7th double-double in the last 11 games last Saturday scoring 11 points of his own, going 4-10 from the field, 0-2 from three and recorded 11 rebounds. I would love to see him step up in this one and drop 20.
Mason has played some decent defense over the last stretch, holding all of their last 11 opponents under 70 points for the first time in 10 years. I expect another tonight.
Jarred Reuter played a great game against GW staying consistent in the paint and not turning the ball over. He recorded 10 points, going 5-11 from the field and grabbing 6 rebounds.
WE READY pic.twitter.com/F5rCYjBnOB
— By George. (@ByGeorgeGMU) January 30, 2019
My Prediction: I think this will be really close, but Mason has surprised me on the road, so I say a Mason “W”
