(FAIRFAX) – Beating Davidson did two things for George Mason. First, they proved that they finish close games, then they showed the conference that they have bench depth contribute by scoring 26 points in the second half. The vital 57-55 victory at Belk Arena for the Patriots did not only end a three-game losing streak but hopefully boost the team morale and build some late season consistency that could carry into the postseason. Additionally, wins like this can carry a big momentum shift going to the last stretch of games in the regular season. “We just found a way in the second half. We’ve learned a lot from the tough losses we’ve been through. Tonight, we were able to capitalize in end of game situations to get the win.” Said by Head Coach Tony Skinn after the road win against Davidson.
On Tuesday they have a great opportunity to show that they have turned those close games losses into lessons by tying up the season series with rival George Washington at home in Fairfax. The Revolutionaries won the earlier match up in DC in January 75-62 after The Patriots had slow start missing 23 of the 28 shots in the first half. Despite starting conference play 3-1 and having the A-10’s top scoring offense (79.0 ppg), The Revs have dropped the last six games and hope to get back on track with a win over their rival across the river. In addition, The Revs enter the game without one of their top scorers, Darren Buchanan Jr. who has been averaging 15.5 ppg this season. With the A10 tournament looming around the corner, each game matters. Winning on Tuesday will help either team move the needle in the standings for better placement in the tournament and of course a help middle of the pack Patriots team break a three-way tie for seventh place in the conference.
Coach Skinn mentioned in the post-game press conference that finding away in the second half and capitalizing on the game situations helped them secure the win on Saturday and I couldn’t agree more. As simple as it sounds, that’s what The Patriots are going to have to do that to not only beat George Washington but to have a genuine chance in finishing the season strong. For instance, The Patriots showed Davidson despite some inconsistent offense as team in some games, they still have a strong defense that ranks 15th nationally in 2pt FG defense (.446), 23rd in overall FG defense (.401) and 61st in scoring defense (67.2 ppg). Against Davidson, The Green & Gold held them to 34.6 percent (18-52) for the game and a 25.9 percent (7-27) mark from 3-point range.
Applying the signature Patriot Pressure and taking advantage of an undermanned George Washington team that has the top offense in conference is a priority to win this game. In addition, for the first time in a few games, the Patriots showed that the bench can step up and contribute. Players like Tre Wood who had a season-best 12 points, Austin Ball who had 8 points, and Mailk Henry who had 6 points and a career-best eight rebounds on the game Saturday. Utilizing the bench depth will be a huge factor in the outcome late in the game.
Additionally, having guard Darius Maddox back in the lineup will certainly help the team as well Before he missed the game on Saturday, he was averaging 17.8 points and shooting 50 percent from the floor in last four games. Having him alongside team leading scorer Keyshawn Hall and standout players Baraka Okojie and Amari Kelly should bring some extra needed boost in the latest edition of the Revolutionary Rivalry.
Hopefully, The Patriots can turn those losses and turn them into lessons and teach The Revs what they learned about being resilient on Tuesday night in Fairfax.
