On Wednesday, George Mason (8-1) defeated New Mexico State (3-4) to win the Cayman Islands Classic.
The Patriots got off to a bad start, being down by as much as 15 points.
After the first half, the Aggies outscored Mason scoring 35 points going 14-31 from the field and 3-12 from three. NMST registered 14 rebounds, 6 assists, and 13 points off of Mason’s 10 turnovers.
The Patriots played very lackadaisically in the first half, scoring only 23 points, going 10-24, and 1-5 from three. They also had 17 rebounds, a whopping 1 assist, and did not lead any time during the first half. The Patriots had only 10 points in the paint (compared to 22 for NMST) and only 4 points off turnovers.
In the second half, the Patriots ran out of the gates scoring quickly to begin the half. They finished with 45 points going 15-27 from the field and 4-10 from three. They finished the second half with 18 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 turnovers.
After being caught by the Patriots, the Aggies finished with 29 points in the second half. They closed the second frame going 11-32 from the field, 5-17 from three and recorded 17 rebounds.
GEORGE MASON WINS 68-64 AGAINST NEW MEXICO STATE
A couple of things from this one:
Mason won its first regular-season tournament championship since 1993-94 when the Patriots won the Iona Classic. Whoop Whoop.
The Patriots looked very tired throughout this game. Alan was right here:
Mason playing exactly like a team that's played 5 games in 8 days
— Alan (@MasonFanatic) November 28, 2019
And this my concern looking forward to the A-10 Tournament. If the Patriots end up where they were last year, starting in the second round, they will have played 5 games in 8 days if they make it to the A-10 Championship game. They would possibly have to go through VCU and/or Dayton. Will they be able to complete?
Hartwell exploded in the second half. He finished with 17 points going 5-14 from the floor, 3-8 from three and 4-4 from the foul line.
.@jamalhartwell_ FOR THREE AND THE PATRIOTS LEAD! pic.twitter.com/GVL920vaTl
— George Mason Men's Basketball (@MasonMBB) November 28, 2019
Justin Kier finished tonight with 13 points going 6-6 from the field, 1-1 from behind the arc. After playing 13 minutes tonight, he had his season-high in playing time.
JUSTIN. FREAKING. KIER.
Puts Mason up 5 with 20 seconds left! pic.twitter.com/MsKhoD3PpB
— George Mason Men's Basketball (@MasonMBB) November 28, 2019
AJ Wilson came second in points, scoring 12 points, and grabbing 14 rebounds. He finished with a double-double and recorded 4 blocks.
Mason’s defense was lackluster for the most part in this game. There were way too many open shots for the Aggies whether it was from the paint or from the three-point line. Nonetheless, a win is a win.
THE GEORGE MASON PATRIOTS ARE YOUR 2019 CAYMAN ISLANDS CLASSIC CHAMPIONS!!!!! pic.twitter.com/X1fZhuZFIV
— George Mason Men's Basketball (@MasonMBB) November 28, 2019
Anyway.
Mason takes on Jacksonville State at home on Tuesday.
See you then.
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