In an attempt to continue their best record in conference play since joining the Atlantic 10, George Mason (11-8, 5-1) will test themselves in a matchup against Dayton (12-6, 4-1).
This contest marks the 10th time that these two teams have met, with the the Flyers leading the series 7-2. While Mason did win the last meeting between these two, they have yet to win on the road in Dayton.
Dayton is one of the main contenders this season as they boast a record of 4-1, the one loss coming against VCU.
Breaking Down Dayton
After their double overtime win against St. Bonaventure, Dayton improved to 12-6 and won their second A-10 road game. The Flyers’ Ryan Mikesell led the way with 21 points in this one.
Dayton is currently fourth in the NCAA and 1st in the A10 in FG% (.506).
Players to look for:
Josh Cunningham leads the Flyers with 15.6 ppg, going 96-146 (.658), 4-8 (.500), and also averages 6.6 rpg.
Jalen Crutcher is second on the team with 13.7, going 85-199 (.427), 46-112 (.411), and is averaging 4.1 rpg.
Obi Toppin is averaging 11.9 ppg, going 96-142 (.672), 2-5 (.400), and 4.3 rpg.
Breaking Down Mason
Over the last four games, Justin Kier averages 21.3 ppg (FG% .604), 10.0 rpg, and 2.7 apg. He, in my opinion, is now the frontrunner for this year’s POY.
Including to the game-winning shot, Otis Livingston II recorded 17 points against Fordham, going 4-11 from the field, 2-6 from three, and 6 helpers.
Mason’s rebounding needs to improve if they want a chance to win this game. In the most recent game, even though the rebounding was even at 31 each, Mason failed on multiple occasions to follow their shots, grabbing only two offensive rebounds and none in the second half, and box out under the basket.
This game and the VCU game on Feb. 2 will show us how Mason will stack up against the juggernauts in the A10 this season. The game all Mason fans should keep an eye on is the March 2nd game against Saint Louis.
The game starts at 7pm on ESPN+.
My Prediction: It’ll be close, but I think it’ll be a Mason “W”.
