It’s Homecoming here at Mason. Today, George Mason (15-11, 9-4) takes on Duquesne (17-9, 8-5) as the battle continues for a spot in the top four of the conference.
This contest marks the 13th time these two programs have played, and while the series is currently split at six a piece, Duquesne has won four of the last six Atlantic 10 contests. Additionally, Mason is only 3-3 at EBA against the Dukes, with the Patriots’ most recent win over Duquesne coming in the 2016-2017 season on Mar. 1 by a score of 63-62.
The Dukes are coming off of an 85-69 win over GW, but has really fallen off the map. Duquesne was main contender for a double-bye has declined over the last couple weeks. The Dukes have suffered losses in three of their last five games to Dayton, St. Bonaventure, and La Salle.
The Patriots are still sitting on their 9-4 record in conference play, and is currently one win away from breaking their conference wins record since joining the A10. The Patriots will have to get at least three wins in their last five games if they want to stay in contention for a top four spot.
Breaking Down Duquesne
Duquesne, who currently sits at 8-5, would clinch just their sixth winning season in conference play in their 42 years of A10 conference play with a win today.
The Patriots must not let their guard down in this game. In just conference play, the Dukes have a erased three double digit leads. (A 19-point deficit in a win over URI, a 15-point deficit in a win over SJU, and a 18-point deficit in a win over Fordham.)
The Dukes are a three point shooting team; while they don’t average more than 30 per game, they are averaging 26.4. Stay Alert!
Duquesne currently sits second in the conference for points per game with 73.7 and leads the A10 in two other categories (blocks per game with 4.9 and steals per game with 8.0)
Keep your eye on Marcus Weathers, as he has scored in double-digits in 11 of 13 A-10 games (12.3 ppg).
Breaking Down George Mason
#FunFact: Mason is undefeated (3-0) in Homecoming games under Dave Paulsen (per Mark LaFrance). Hopefully, we get another win today.
Justin Kier led the team against SBU with 21 points, going 8-14 from the floor, 3-7 from downtown and he grabbed 6 rebounds.
Otis Livingston II and Jordan Miller both recorded 10 points. While Miller had 5 rebounds, Otis was injured the 2nd half.
The Patriots come into this game with many different injuries; Otis Livingston II has injured his ankle, Javon Greene has an injured finger, Ian Boyd has been resting his wrist, and Greg Calixte is still going through concussion protocol. I’m hoping to see at least three of these players on the court, if not all four, but we’ll see.
Mason’s defense is struggling without Calixte. The man that sealed the lane from layups and dunks is still a day-to-day decision.
This is a must win for the Patriots, lose this game and you’re one game back of eighth place. Not Good.
My Prediction: This contest will only be decided by less than five points. But, a George Mason “W”.
