It’s always fun beating Richmond, no matter the circumstance. It wasn’t the best game Mason’s played all year, but it was a solid performance in the all important conference opener.
The Patriots were led by Ronald Polite’s 22 points, a career high for the junior PG. Polite has really made the position his this season, and this game was another sign of his incredible growth this year so far. He made a lot of great drives, played well on D and was crucially 9/10 from the line. A consistency much needed from this team and one every fan I’m sure loved to see.
Polite was helped by Josh Oduro, who had another double double, with 10 points and twelve boards. Oduro probably would have had more if not for more early foul issues that kept him out of a good chunk of the first half. While it didn’t show it on the stat sheet, I personally thought this was one of Oduro’s best games of the year so far and the way he played reminded me much more of the way he played last year.
Victor Bailey Jr, DeVon Cooper and Ginika Ojiako added in seven, six and six respectively on the points side. And while Cooper did not show as much on the stat sheet tonight, his defensive effort against Richmond star Tyler Burton in the second half was key. Burton only made 2 of his 8 baskets in the second half, as Cooper, and the team as a whole, stepped up against Burton in the second half after Ticket Gaines was kept out of the second half due to an injury.
Saquon Singleton added in 4 steals on the defensive side of the ball, and made some key plays during the game as his minutes increased without Gaines available as well.
Burton led Spidey with 21 points on the night, followed by Matt Grace with 15. Mason shut down Richmond’s second leading scorer Jason Nelson tonight though, as he was held to 8 points and only 19 minutes of game time as he dealt with would trouble very early on in both halves.
Mason returns to action in the new year this upcoming Wednesday against the Bonnies of St Bonaventure in Olean. Game starts at 7PM ET, and is available on ESPN+. Go Green and Gold and have a Happy New Year Mason Nation!
