In another installment of the #RevolutionaryRivalry, George Mason (12-8, 6-1) hosts George Washington (6-13, 2-4) after their road trip to Ohio.
This contest marks the 23rd time these two programs have faced off, with GW holding a resounding 19-3 series lead. The most recent matchup took place on Homecoming last year when Mason downed the Colonials 72-65 at home.
While the Patriots won the last time out, the Colonials have beaten Mason 9 of the last 10 times. GW is currently in what would probably be their most difficult stretch of conference play after taking on Duquesne, Davidson, and now George Mason.
Breaking Down George Washington
The Colonials are 4-3 in Fairfax, so we’ll see how they perform on the Patriots home court. GW won both of their conference victories through double-digit comebacks in the Philadelphia.
Players to watch:
DJ Williams leads the Colonials with 15.6 ppg, going 90-228 (.385), 11-49 (.224) from three, and averages 4.9 rebounds per game.
Terry Nolan Jr. is second on the team with 11.8, going 61-169 (.361), 41-109 (.376) behind the arc, and is averaging 5.3 rpg.
Justin Mazzulla is averaging 10.1 ppg, going 77-175 (.440) from the field, 12-40 (.300) from three, and averaging 4.4 rebounds per game.
If Mason wants to win this game they’ll have to out rebound and GW is averaging 34.1 rebounds per game which is just shy of the Patriots’ 34.5 rpg.
Breaking Down George Mason
Still continuing their program-best 6-1 record in Atlantic 10 play, George Mason will look to win their 5th conference game in the last 6.
Defense wins championships and that will hold true as the Atlantic 10 plays out. Mason has been better at closing out games of late, including holding Dayton scoreless over the last 2:57 to hold up. The only other team to beat the Flyers at home this season was No. 22 Mississippi State.
However, Mason has faced some shooting woes at home. They’re shooting just 27.4% from behind the arc, compared to 40.2% on the road. Usually this the opposite and they’re going to need to shoot well from behind the arc to win upcoming matchups at home against Duquesne and VCU.
Kier and Otis both had pedestrian games against Dayton something that will have to change to continue to compete against the top teams in the A10.
Greg Calixte grabbed 6 rebounds in just 12 minutes, leading the team in rebounds. Mason’s in trouble if he’s going to continue to lead the team in rebounding in such limited minutes.
The game starts at 7pm on ESPN+.
My Prediction: It better be a Mason “W”.
