On Saturday, George Mason (4-0) played James Madison (2-2) in the 99th meeting of this rivalry showdown.
The Patriots’ 4-0 start matches Mason’s best-ever to begin a season. The Patriots also went 4-0 back in 2007-08 and 2013-14. The Patriots have never gone 5-0 to start a season.
In the first half, Mason and Madison were left tied at 34 going into halftime. The Patriots went 13-37 from the floor, 2-13 from behind the arc, 6-8 from the charity stripe, and recorded 26 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 blocks.
The Dukes stuck with Patriots throughout the entire half, the lead was never more than 6 points. Madison finished going 10-37 from the floor, 4-15 from three, 10-12 from the foul line, and recorded 28 rebounds, 6 assists, and 8 turnovers.
In the second half, the Patriots went 19-36 from the floor, 6-15 from three, registering 49 points and added 23 rebounds and had only 2 turnovers. This was a much better half for the Patriots.
The Dukes finished this half scoring 36, going 14-36 for FG’s, 3-17 on three’s, and recorded only 16 rebounds.
And yes, Paulsen and Rowe did shake hands at the end.
MASON WINS 83-70 AGAINST JAMES MADISON
Some notable things from this game:
- Jamal Hartwell II led the way in scoring with 18 points going 6-16 from the field, 3-10 from three and a perfect 3-3 from the line. All three of Hartwell’s threes came in the second half.
- Javon Greene added 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 turnovers. He went 4-15 from the field, 3-11 from three, and 3-4 from the charity stripe.
- One thing that always seems to be apparent in our defense is our inability to defend the pocket threes. The Patriots need to fix this issue going forward.
Now imagine facing Davidson, VCU and Rhode Island. We will have to clean this up https://t.co/Ig2XWSWGHn
— By George. (@ByGeorgeGMU) November 17, 2019
- Jordan Miller had a great second half after getting in foul trouble in the first half. He finished with 12 points, going 6-11 from the field, and recorded 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
- Goanar Mar had a decent game, came down with 9 points in the end. Mar has not made it to double figures since 1/03/19 against St. Joe’s. Additionally, Mar has only made it to double figures twice since his freshman year where he averaged 10.9 ppg. I hope he improves.
Mar up to 9 points, when he attacks the paint, he changes our team.
— By George. (@ByGeorgeGMU) November 17, 2019
- Also AJ Wilson is piling up blocks
A.J. Wilson continues to pile up the blocks. With 5 tonight he moves up into the top ten with 90, tying Jalen Jenkins and Steve Smith. He passed Henri Abrams and Mason great Will Thomas. #MasonRecords
— Tyler Byrum (@theTylerByrum) November 17, 2019
Question of the game: After seeing this, how many non-conference games (of the 9 remaining) do you think Mason can win?
Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Mason will play Loyola (Md.) on Tuesday in a chance to make history.
See you then.
