Welcome to #ToBeFrank: Daniel Frank’s hot takes, analysis and recap of today’s Mason game.
I’m going with the #ToBeFrank format today instead of the traditional “recap article” style because I feel this just fits this game better.
The Good
Mason’s defense held Ole Miss to their lowest point total of the season. They only allowed one Rebel to score in double figures, and didn’t turn the ball over any more time than they normally would, which is great.
Jordan Wakefield hit a career-high three treys today, and led the team in scoring with 11 points.
Mason actually out-scored Ole Miss 20-17 in the 4th quarter.
7:09 4Q | Ole Miss 53 Mason 25.
Credit to Mason, they aren't going down without a fight. Patriots are on an 11-2 run thanks to a pair of @wakefield_jo13 threes, and one from @LivijaKaktaite! #GetPatriotic #A10WBB— Daniel Frank (@n1a2v3y4) December 19, 2020
Also this:
30+ minutes after the final horn, and @rachelbalzer_24 is out on the floor working. That’s what you love to see. pic.twitter.com/7MdKkwGHB1
— Daniel Frank (@n1a2v3y4) December 19, 2020
The Bad
Milica Manojlovic’s debut lasted just 3:46 for she went down with what appeared to be a season-ending knee/ankle injury. Ugh.
A debut cut far too short. Get well soon @manojloviceva_8! pic.twitter.com/mzNX4AHQ6g
— GMU Giant Killer (@GMUGiantKiller) December 19, 2020
The third quarter was……very bad.
End 3Q | Ole Miss 47 Mason 14.
Rebels out-score Mason 21-3 in the quarter, and held the Patriots without a field goal. #GetPatriotic #A10WBB— Daniel Frank (@n1a2v3y4) December 19, 2020
Mason scored just four field goals in the first three quarters of the game. Three of those were threes, and one was a two, which came in transition after a steal. They didn’t score a 2-point field goal off an offensive set until the fourth quarter.
The Patriots got out-scored 38-8 in the paint, out-rebounded 43-33 and shot just 21% from the field. They also only attempted seven free throws all game.
Also, I’m sorry, but what the hell was Ole Miss doing full-court pressing up 35 in the fourth quarter? That really rubbed be the wrong way. Alas.
Looking Ahead
George Mason has a very quick turnaround, with just one day to prepare for Delaware State on Monday. Hopefully they can take their frustrations out on a team that has played just one Division-I opponent this season.
Also, on a personal note, this will be the last game I get to cover in person for about a month. I am going home tomorrow for winter break, but I will still be zooming into press conferences and all that good stuff while I’m gone. I will be back January 17 in time for the Mason WBB game vs George Washington.
