Needed that. Boy did we need that Mason Nation. It was shaky early on, as Mason fell behind early to a deluge of Davidson threes, who made their first four from beyond the arc. 14-2 was the best Davidson would get though. It was a grind, and it was slow, and it wasn’t perfect. But it’s a big win to bounce back from Wednesday’s heartbreak against St Louis, and the first time the Patriots have beaten Davidson in five years.
Mason was led by star forward Josh Oduro, who had his sixth straight double digit point performance. That’s A-10 First team level play, and his 22 points and 9 rebounds, along with 5 assists, were the key in Mason getting the win today. He was helped by burgeoning star Malik Henry, who came off the bench to put up huge points in the first starts of the comeback in the first half. Henry put up 12 points and 6 boards in 17 minutes of play, which we love to see.
Freshman Justyn Fernandez was given his first start today, and rewarded Kim English’s trust with a 9 point, 5 rebound and two assist performance, as the exciting freshman continues to perfect his all round game.
Davidson were led by the guard combo of Foster Loyer and Grant Huffman, who each got 16 points. Loyer missed a last second three that clinched the Mason victory, with solid defense from Saquon Singleton putting Loyer off enough that he put the shot left.
Mason’s comeback and victory was in part to a solid performance on the glass- they outrebounded Davidson 34-26.
Mason returns to action at home Monday, for a MLK Day matchup with the lesser George’s from DC. Tip time is at 4, and you can watch on CBS Sports Network or fill EBA and support the team! Go Green and Gold.
