Today, George Mason (15-13, 4-11) takes on Duquesne (19-8, 9-6) as the Patriots get set for Brooklyn.
This contest marks the 14th time these two programs have played, and while the series is currently in the favor of the Dukes, 7-6, Duquesne has won five of the last seven Atlantic 10 contests. Additionally, Mason is only 3-3 at Duquesne against the Dukes, with the Patriots’ most recent win over Duquesne on the road coming in the 2013-2014 season on Feb. 8 by a score of 74-68.
The Dukes are coming off of an 80-70 loss to Dayton, but continues to be a possible contender for the final double bye. The Dukes have suffered losses in three of their last five games to Dayton (twice) and URI.
Meanwhile, the Patriots are still sitting on their 4 wins in conference play, and are currently still in the bottom four of the conference along with La Salle, Fordham and St. Joe’s.
Breaking Down Duquesne
Duquesne, who currently sits at 19-8, would mark just the third time in the past 48 years that the Dukes have posted 20 or more wins (20-10 in 1981 is the other).
The Patriots have to be disciplined in this game. The Dukes are 28th nationally and second in the A-10 in fewest fouls per game (15.2).
The Dukes are a three point shooting team; while they don’t average more than 24 per game, they are averaging 8 made per game. Stay Alert!
The Dukes rank 9th nationally – and first in the A-10 – in blocks/g at 5.59. The Dukes are also eighth in the nation in block percentage (15.5 according to KenPom).
Breaking Down George Mason
The Patriots have shot less than 24 percent from 3-point range in three of the past four games. Mason is shooting 29.3 percent (84-287) from beyond the arc in A-10 play.
Jordan Miller added his first double-double of the season (13 pts, game-high 10 reb) and fourth of his career. He’s averaging 8.3 rebounds over the past three games and has scored at least 10 points in eight-straight contests.
The Patriots come into this game still with nagging injuries; AJ Wilson has injured his ankle after falling on Goanar Mar’s foot in the GW game, Ian Boyd is still out for the season, Justin Kier is probably out for the season (even though it’s not official), and who knows what else. AJ needs to be healthy, he is pivotal to this team’s success.
Mason is 3-9 since senior star Justin Kier re-injured his foot (fracture) on Jan. 14.
The Patriots should get this win, they haven’t beaten Duquesne in a while, why not now?
My Prediction: This contest will only be decided by less than five points. But, a George Mason “L”.
