Posted:
#1
Sides: 80-71 -18.70
Totals: 63-47, +10.40
DNP: 121-104
Coming into the year, the CAA primarily had three options as far as conference winners. ODU, VCU, and George Mason. Seeing that we are coming down to crunch time, the biggest attribute of any team within the conference and how it is decided will be played in part by an emphasis on experience. Both of these teams have experience. VCU returned five of their top six, and GM returned their top 7. This game comes down to one thing, and that’s defense. First off, George Mason’s defense has been really good. They have not lost in more than a month, and that’s more a product of their offense which has been even better. They have done a complete 180 in terms of their offensive balance this year, and it’s a great quality to have in a conference like the CAA. If you have more than one option, you’re more than likely going to have a chance. As for VCU, they have struggled defensively at times this year, which is definitely a cause for concern going up against a strong offense like George Mason. There is definite negatives in playing VCU here, I will admit that. But the situation sets up for a very nice spot for VCU. George Mason hasn’t lost a game in a month. VCU is coming off an emotional loss to ODU, and game they had no part in for the full forty minutes and a game that ODU controlled from beginning to end. They controlled tempo, they didn’t allow VCU to do anything they wanted, they got behind early and they were stuck. These two teams have played late season games that have meant the world to both teams, they’ve played numerous championship conference games with NCAA tournament bids on the line the last couple years, and they hate each other. Simply put, if a team wants to compete with George Mason, you need size, you need guards who can defend, and you need length. VCU has all three of those qualities, and they have exhibited them the last few years to George Mason and have exhibited them well. George Mason has struggled to score, and struggled mightily. Yes, they put up 82 in an OT late last year about the same time as this year’s game, but they did it at home, and they were outscored by 13 in the 1H of that ballgame. When the game is of the utmost importance, VCU has strutted their stuff. In the conference tourney games the past two years, this same exact VCU style of defense has limited George Mason to 60 and 50 points respectively. Simply put, they have showed up at the correct time and taken care of business when they had to. This year should be no different with a conference title on the line. Confidence wise, I hate going against a team that’s on a roll, but how much is left. They were down 12 in the first half against James Madison, before coming from behind and winning a really important game and a similar offense they get tonight. If they fall behind tonight, there won’t be any coming back against VCU’s style, in VCU’s place. The best thing about slowing down this George Mason team is that they’re going to face full court pressure, and they’re going to face it for a full 40 minutes, something they have rarely faced this year. It’s a bit of a concern b/c the entire Mason team can score and get to the bucket, but it’s also a big advantage for VCU b/c they will dictate how the George Mason offense is going to operate, and if they can’t operate in a half court setting, they could be in trouble. Going against pressure against a bigger team is tough, and that should show tonight. George Mason is the hotter team, VCU is the hungrier team. Size & Length prevail… I really don’t think this one’s close…
Virginia Commonwealth PK (5 Units)
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