In a rematch of their A-10 opener, George Mason (13-10, 2-8) will travel to face VCU (17-6, 7-3).
Welp, I’m not sure what to say folks. This is a game that VCU absolutely cannot afford to lose, especially after a less-than stellar showing against Davidson. I think we all know what’s coming.
Breaking Down VCU
Let’s check up to see if anything’s changed since Dom’s last VCU preview.
- Marcus Santos-Silva checks in leading the Rams in points. *Check*
- Marcus Santos-Silva continues to lead with 12.7 points and 8.7 boards per game.
- Marcus Evans is second on the team in points. *Nope*
- Marcus Evans is now third on the team in points, but by just 0.2 points per game. He still averages 10.7 points per game.
- De’Riante Jenkins is averaging 10.4 ppg. *Ehh*
- De’Riante Jenkins is now averaging 10.9 points per game. Whatever.
As of his Tuesday bracketology, Joe Lunardi has VCU as a 12-seed, but the last team in the field of 68. (It’s worth noting that Richmond is in the “Next Four Out” tier).
Breaking Down George Mason
George Mason has lost four in a row, six of their last seven, and nine of their last 11 since starting 11-1. Oof.
After trailing 66-52 with 5:21 left at UMass, the Patriots went on a 14-0 run to pull within two. They had several chances offensively in the final 20 seconds, but no dice. George Mason lost to UMass 69-67. (nice)
Javon Greene led Mason with 19 points, but had eight turnovers. As a team, the Patriots had 21.
Jordan Miller was finally back scoring double-figures, posting 12 points.
Jamal Hartwell II was the only other Patriot in double-figures with 10 points.
Other than that, it wasn’t great.
With eight games left on the schedule, Mason still gets to play VCU (obviously, tonight), a Richmond team fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives, the Dayton juggernaut, Duquesne and Saint Louis. Not to mention a GW team they already lost to. Saint Joseph’s and Fordham look like the only two gimmes, but with this crazy A-10 season, who knows.
Unless something crazy happens, we’re looking at a date with the Wednesday Night Pillow Fight© in Brooklyn. Here’s how the bottom of the A-10 looks right now (with current standings, head-to-head tie breakers and remaining schedule):
There is technically still time to climb out of Wednesday and into Thursday, but Mason did themselves no favors by dropping that game to UMass, and that makes the game this Saturday against George Washington the definition of a must-win.
As for tonight, C’mon, what do you want me to say? It’s VCU at home. “More life altering than a 10 day trip to Europe,” and all that. They need this game. I will be happy if it’s less than a 20 point margin.
My prediction: a Mason “L”.
Tipoff is set for 7:00 and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU.
