**Correction: This title previously stated that Paulsen quoted “fatigue” as a problem in this press conference, however, he did not state that.**
On Wednesday, George Mason (13-10 7-3) was completely embarrassed by Richmond (9-14, 3-7).
This was bad. Like really baddddddd.
After the first half, the Spiders outscored Mason scoring 37 points going 13-25 from the field and 5-11 from three. Richmond registered 13 rebounds, 8 assists, and 12 points off of Mason’s 8 turnovers.
The Patriots played very lackadaisically in this one, scoring only 30 points, going 13-29, and 2-8 from three. They also had 16 rebounds, 4 assists, and only led for the first three minutes of the game.
In the second half, the Patriots scored 37 points going 15-27 from the field and 2-7 from three. Mason went on a 17-2 run near the end of the game, but could not finish the job. They finished the second half with 16 rebounds, 7 assists, and 12 turnovers. Not good.
There was a lot of separation during the second half, with Richmond being up 22 points at one time. They closed this half with 44 points, going 17-28 from the field, 5-10 from three, and recorded 11 rebounds.
GEORGE MASON LOSES 81-67 TO RICHMOND
A couple things from this one:
What happened? Can anyone answer this question? Apparently not even Paulsen, saying this at the start of the presser.
DP opening statement – We ran into a buzzsaw tonight, Richmond played exceptionally well. That’s a heck of a sophomore class for Richmond.
That’s the worst we’ve played on defense, and I don’t know why. #summary
— By George. (@ByGeorgeGMU) February 7, 2019
Otis Livingston II lead the team tonight with 20 points going 8-11 from the field, 3-4 from behind the arc. After playing 39 minutes tonight, he finished the night as -13.
Jordan Miller came second in points, scoring 14 points, and grabbing 8 rebounds. I think he played the best out of any Mason player tonight. It would have been his second career double-double if he had grabbed those 2 extra rebounds.
This stat also hurt a lot:
Richmond hasn’t won at home in the conference
…….until tonight
— By George. (@ByGeorgeGMU) February 7, 2019
And this one,
Well… pic.twitter.com/N6J9xyMWvA
— By George. (@ByGeorgeGMU) February 7, 2019
You get the point.
After this loss, I don’t see a very bright light at the end of the tunnel anymore. The possibility that Mason wins the title in Brooklyn just went down a whole lot. The Patriots need to win in these next games, or you can kiss a double bye… goodbye.
A10 talk agreed.
FINAL: Richmond 81, George Mason 67
Surprising result to say the least. Spiders have been playing well lately, and that’s a big win for them. As far as Mason goes, you can probably take them out of the conference title race following that loss…
— A10 Talk (@A10Talk) February 7, 2019
Anyway.
Mason takes on La Salle at home on Sunday.
See you then.