Game of the Day: George Mason vs Fresno State
On a day where the Patriots struggled mightily shooting the ball throughout most of the game, only going 4-25 from three, they ultimately finished very strong. Down by as much as 26 points in the second half, they made the final score only a 13 point loss. They will look to take that bright spot into the game today against Fresno State, who suffered their second loss of the season last night against Evansville in a game that went down to the wire. Here are some things to look for heading into this game.
Most of the production against George Mason yesterday came from the guards for LA Tech. If that happens again, they could be in some trouble. Fresno State is lead by guard Deshon Taylor, and he will look to put up some points after only having 12 last night, he averaged 18 going into the game.
The key for George Mason could be to utilize Goanar Mar, who had a very impressive performance yesterday. Fresno State was outrebounded yesterday by a much smaller team, and Mar should be able to have a big game.
Overall, this could come down to who wants it more, and which team has the hot hand, specifically the guard matchup between Otis Livingston and Deshon Taylor.
My Prediction: George Mason 65, Fresno State 59
Detroit Mercy vs Saint Louis
After getting one of the best wins in the conference this year by beating the Hokies of Virginia Tech, the Billikens got a little roughed up against Providence the day after. They now are back home to play Detroit Mercy, who lost to Seattle University by 31 points, a team that Saint Louis beat by 16. Goodwin, French and Bess will make the Billikens the more physically dominating team, and they will be looking to get the sour taste out of there mouths after last Friday. Even if they get in foul trouble, which has been an issue, it should still be a victory by a wide margin.
My Prediction: Saint Louis 76, Detroit Mercy 52
La Salle vs Miami (FL)
The #11 ranked Hurricanes will make the trip up to Reading for a “neutral” site game against La Salle today (Santander Arena is only 60 miles from La Salle). Regardless of where the game is played, it is going to be hard for the Explorer’s to hang in this one. The competition hasn’t been great, but Miami has dismantled their first three opponents, while La Salle is on a two game skid. Johnson and Powell will have to play huge, but I still don’t see the Explorer’s being able to stop Miami’s high powered offense led by Ja’Quan Newton.
My Prediction: Miami (FL) 84, La Salle 67
VCU vs Michigan
VCU responded to two hard fought losses with a win over California yesterday in a game where they were clicking on all cylinders. De’Riante Jenkins had a game high 27 points, and if he can continue to score in double figures, VCU will be hard to stop. Michigan will be playing especially hard, as they don’t want to leave Maui with only one win against Chaminade. We will see how that plays out against the momentum built from VCU’s big win.
My Prediction: Michigan 72, VCU 76
Louisiana vs Richmond
Richmond is really struggling this season, specifically offensively, as the most points they have scored through 4 games is 63. Last night, they only tallied 14 points in the first half. That will be a problem against Louisiana, a team who has scored over 100 twice this year. While I think Richmond will crack the 63 point bar, I don’t think they will be able to pull this one out.
My prediction: Richmond 67, Louisiana 75
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