Heading into their home conference opener, George Mason (11-2, 0-0) will take on VCU (11-3, 1-0) at home in Fairfax.
This contest will mark the 62nd meeting between the Rams and the Patriots, with Mason leading the series at home 13-12 (Mason is 20-41 overall). We’ll see how Mason performs in conference play this season, I see them winning 12-14 games.
The last time the Patriots played the Rams was in Richmond back in March 2019, and they were defeated by a score of 79-63. Mason stayed close throughout this game until VCU dropped three straight three-pointers.
Currently sitting on their 11-2 record, Mason with a win would be tied for second with Dayton (12-2, 1-0). With a loss, Mason would be tied for third along with three others.
The Patriots finished their non-conference season with the second-best start in program history. Last season, the Patriots started their conference play with a program-best 7-1 record in conference play, we’ll see if the Patriots can start with something similar.
Breaking Down VCU
After proving everyone wrong last year, the Rams were picked to finish first in the A-10 Preseason Coaches’ Poll. In their non-conference schedule, VCU finished with a 10-3 record.
The Rams have played some great defense this season, only allowing three opponents to score more than 65 points in their 14 contests.
Players to Watch:
Marcus Santos-Silva checks in leading the Rams averaging 12.4 ppg, and 8.4 rebounds per game on the season. The Patriots will have to attack the offensive glass and rebound, rebound, rebound if they want to have a chance in this one.
Marcus Evans is second on the team in points averaging 11.4 and has recorded 36 assists on the season. Mason will need to guard him well on the outside, he’s shooting 42 percent on the season from three.
De’Riante Jenkins is averaging 10.4 ppg and is shooting 35 percent from behind the arc for the Rams in 14 games.
The Patriots need to protect the perimeter if they want to keep the VCU Rams within grasp, however, this is something that has hurt them in key games.
Breaking Down George Mason
Mason has won 6 of their last 7 games and 11 of the last 13.
Jordan Miller continues to lead this Patriots team in scoring with 13.6 ppg and has also shot close to 50 percent from three.
After missing his 7th game of the season, Justin Kier made a small impact in their loss to TCU. If Mason wants a shot at finishing in the top four of the A-10, it is pertinent that Kier stays healthy. While this team can survive without him, they’re going to need all the help they can get to finish top four.
AJ Wilson is third in the nation in blocks/game (3.77) and is eighth in offensive rebounds/contest (4.0). He is also two blocks away from taking sole possession of 5th in all-time blocks in Mason history (122).
Mason has played some decent defense in non-conference, holding all but 4 of their opponents to under 70 points. I don’t think we’ll see the same result.
Javon Greene has averaged 12.5 ppg this season and will look to come back after a 1 point performance against TCU. Greene has only scored in the single digits twice this year, 9 points at New Mexico State, and last week at TCU.
My Prediction: Unless something changes, I don’t see Mason winning a game against VCU or Dayton in conference play this season. A Mason “L”
