As the Patriots do damage control, George Mason (15-12, 9-5) will take on Richmond (12-15, 6-8) for the second time this season.
This contest will mark the 62nd meeting overall between the Spiders and the Patriots, with Richmond leading the series 37-24. Mason leads the series when in Fairfax, 14-11, and has only lost twice on their own court in conference play (Davidson and Du — can I please forget about this game).
Compared to the last time the Patriots played Richmond when they had lost 5 of their last 6 games, the Spiders have turned it around and have won 4 of their last five games. They are now ranked 8th in the standings, but still have a tough schedule for the rest of the season against the top two teams in the Atlantic 10 (VCU and Davidson).
Currently sitting on their 9-5 record, Mason is now in a three-way tie for 4th in the A10, after their most recent loss to (REDACTED). The Patriots no longer have fate in their hands, they’ll have to get some help if they want a double-bye.
Breaking Down Richmond
The last game against Richmond was bad. Let’s talk about it.
In the Patriots’ last matchup against the Spiders Jacob Gilyard scored 28 points and also recorded six steals, six assists, and five rebounds. He went 5-7 from three. Please fix this.
Richmond also had Grant Golden and Nathan Cayo score in the double digits with 17 and 10, respectively.
Mason’s defense was very bad in this game. They gave up 40 points in the paint and on top of that, 10 three pointers. If the Patriots want to win this game, they need to do the opposite of whatever… this was.
The GK team today: pic.twitter.com/DJlTaMTOYa
— GMU Giant Killer (@GMUGiantKiller) February 27, 2019
Breaking Down George Mason
Now you see, this is usually where I reference the last game’s stats, turning points, improvements, etc. But I didn’t write a recap because of how disappointed I was.
I already had low standards for this team. They have plenty of wiggle room in my book. Get a win? Great, let’s keep a straight course. Lose a game? It’s ok, let’s just move on.
But, when Mason lost to teams like St. Bonaventure and Duquesne, I was shocked.
Now of course injuries do play a part in all this, and they’re starting accumulate. Having Jaire Grayer, Goanar Mar, Greg Calixte, Ian Boyd, Javon Greene, and Otis Livingston II all on the same list usually was a good thing, but now it’s not. The Patriots need to get healthy if they want a chance in Brooklyn.
I need that trust built again, just when you think you’ve seen it all, this team surprises you.
If I had a guess at where Mason finishes this season, I’d say probably 6th. Hopefully they prove me wrong.
Especially with this.
My Prediction: A Mason “L”
Thanks for coming to my TED talk.
