On Sunday, George Mason (5-0) battled Loyola (Md.) (2-3) in what most fans would say was their closest game of the year.
In the first half, Mason finished with 26 points going 10-27 (.500) from the floor, 4-11 from behind the arc, and 2-7 from the charity stripe. Additionally, the Patriots recorded 21 rebounds, 6 assists, 9 bench points, and 6 turnovers.
The Greyhounds stuck with the Patriots throughout this half, never letting the lead get over 5 points. They finished with 22 points going 9-26 from the floor, 3-15 from three, and recorded 18 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 turnovers.
In the second half, the Mason continued to battle Loyola. They finished the second half with 39 points, going 6-31 from the field, 3-9 from three, and recorded 30 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 turnovers. There were a couple moments in this half that I thought that Mason started to lose control of the game, but nevertheless, they finished the game strong.
Loyola’s second half was an improvement from how they performed in the first half. They finished with 39 points going 16-28 from the floor, and 2-7 from behind the arc. Additionally, the Greyhounds grabbed 14 rebounds, and tallied 11 assists.
George Mason wins 65-61 over Loyola
Some notable things from this game:
Did someone say double-double? Javon Greene and AJ Wilson most certainly did. Greene finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds, despite not shooting well at all. Wilson finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds to record his first double-double of the season (Only one block tonight though).
Jordan Miller lead the way recording 23 points in this one going 5-13 from the field, 2-3 from three, and an impactful 11-13 from the charity stripe. He was able to convert on almost all his free throws down the stretch, allowing Mason to win this game.
Head coach Dave Paulsen found a way to disrupt Loyola’s offense in the last 7 minutes or so. He’d have Calixte foul Loyola’s Golden Dike every time that he had the ball. This would put Dike to the line (where he shot 2-13 tonight) and instantly killing Loyola’s offense. When asked in the presser if he intentionally did this, Paulsen said something jokingly along the lines of “uh, is this a congressional investigation? I have not been subpoenaed for this information.”
This was a very gritty game, that really came down to free throws. The Patriots only scored 2 points in the paint in the second half and 6 in total. (Compared to Loyola’s 36).
Loyola also almost doubled Mason’s bench points (20 to 11). There were also stretches were Mason could not hit a shot for their life.
If Mason wants to even have a chance against Maryland, they’ll have to clean up their act.
Anyway.
George Mason takes on No. 6 Maryland on Friday, let’s hope it’s not a blowout.
See you then.
