Following a 6 days off after their contest against Virginia Tech on Sunday, George Mason (1-1) is back in action this afternoon against Detroit Mercy (0-3).
This will be just the second all-time meeting between the two schools with the Patriots being victorious in the only contest 55-54 in November of 2016. Allie McCool set a then-career high with 11 points in that contest while Alexsis Grate and Jacy Bolton combined for eight points.
Scouting Detroit Mercy
The Titans come into Fairfax having lost eight-consecutive games, and 16 of their last 17, dating back to last season, with the lone victory in that span coming February 14 against UIC, 62-45. Detroit Mercy went 4-25 overall last season. So far in their 2020 campaign, the Titans lost 89-60 against Loyola-Chicago, fell 110-52 at #17 Michigan State and most recently, 82-60 at Butler.
Out of 347 Division I Women’s Basketball programs, this season, Detroit Mercy ranks 342 in scoring margin, averaging -36.3 points per game this season, albeit against some good competition. Only Weber State, Nicholls State, Eastern Washington, Coppin State and Valparaiso rank lower in this category so far this season. Rebounding has also been a point of weakness so far, as Detroit Mercy is 345th out of 347 in rebounding margin at -21.7 boards per game.
One of George Mason’s biggest strengths this season has been limiting turnovers, as the Patriots rank 39th in the nation in fewest turnovers at 26 total while Detroit Mercy is on the other end of the spectrum at 314 with 64 (granted with one more game played).
Overall, The NCAA RPI currently ranks Detroit Mercy 336th while George Mason is ranked 227th.
Keys for George Mason
First and foremost, the goal for this game for the Green & Gold without a doubt is to get Nicole Cardaño-Hillary going again. She posted 24 points in the season opener at College of Charleston before scoring just 2 points through the first 3 quarters against Virginia Tech, eventually finishing with 6 points.
The Patriots will also look to get Camarie Gatling going, who struggled with foul trouble in Mason’s last outing against Virginia Tech. In addition, further limiting turnovers, something Mason has done well this season already, will go a long way to helping them put this game away.
To me, this is a game that George Mason should win going away. Detroit Mercy, while well-tested this season, is frankly a bit over-matched in this game. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see the Patriots leading by double-digits most of this game
Tipoff is at 12:00 from EBA and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
After the game, come by the Giant Killer/ByGeorge tailgate and cop one of these dope FREE koozies!
Got our Koozies for the tailgate Saturday Nov 16th at 3PM.
FIRST 100 PATRIOTS GET A FREE KOOZIE! COME BY AND SAY 👋🏾 TO THE GK TEAM!
Reserve your tailgating spot at https://t.co/2PUNBtdjH6
Game is at 7PM #FILLEBA #BEATJMU pic.twitter.com/fsf9y2LDSY
— GMU Giant Killer (@GMUGiantKiller) November 15, 2019
Men’s Basketball tips off against James Madison at 7:00 from EBA and that game will broadcast on ESPN+ as well. See you there!
