VCU-George Mason Preview
On Saturday evening, Shaka Smart will lead the Rams into battle with Paul Hewitt and George Mason for the first time since Sherrod Wright sunk a long three-pointer at the buzzer on Valentine’s Day
CT Sports Staff
VCU (23-6 overall, 13-3 CAA) vs. George Mason (23-6 overall, 14-2 CAA)
Date: Saturday, Feb. 25
Time: 6 p.m. tip
Location: Siegel Center – Richmond
TV: ESPN2
Probable Starters with stats (season averages)
VCU
- Bradford Burgess (13 points)
- Juvonte Reddic (10.5 points, 6.8 rebounds)
- Troy Daniels (10.3 points, 2.7 three pointers)
- Darius Theus (4.7 assists, 1.6 steals)
- DJ Haley (3.9 rebounds)
George Mason
- Ryan Pearson (17.8 points, 8.6 rebounds)
- Andre Cornelius (6.7 points)
- Byron Allen (7.6 points, 1 steal)
- Vertrail Vaughns (8.9 points)
- Mike Morrison (9.1 points, 6.4 rebounds)
Preview
On Saturday evening, Shaka Smart will lead the Rams into battle with Paul Hewitt and George Mason for the first time since Sherrod Wright sunk a long three-pointer at the buzzer on Valentine’s Day to give the Patriots a 62-61 win and knock the Rams out of a three-way tie for first place in the CAA.
George Mason was in the midst of a five-game win streak before losing to Northeastern Wednesday night, which included a 75-71 victory over Lamar in its BracketBusters matchup. The Patriots have won 15 of 16 games at home this season, but have a pedestrian 7-4 record on the road. Their road struggles could play a factor on Saturday because VCU perennially has one of the best home-court advantages in the country. The Rams are 12-1 at home this season.
For VCU, a win over George Mason would mean sole possession of second place, as Drexel has already locked up sole possession of first. A loss however, would mean that the Rams would have the third seed in the upcoming CAA Tournament and would also effectively end any hope they have at getting an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament.
Photos by Chris Conway
