George Mason knocks off first place Richmond to end regular season on high note

Tony Skinn finished his first year as head coach with a 20-11 (9-9) regular season record

George Mason closed out the regular season with a convincing win over first place Richmond 64-46 yesterday afternoon. Although the Spiders weren’t playing for much, having locked up at least a share of the conference regular season title, it was still a big accomplishment for the Patriots. The offense looked strong once again as they were previously at Rhode Island, with Darius Maddox having another solid game leading the way. Keyshawn Hall was “active” but did not leave the bench, which kinda of made sense considering Mason was in control for almost the entire game without him. Freshman Baraka Okojie and Woody Newton also had great games scoring around the basketball and doing all the little things necessary to seal this victory.

On the defensive end Jared Billups was a shut down defender and #PatriotPressure really helped Mason stay in control. He continues to be an unsung hero of this year’s squad and has been their best defender all season.

Have to like how they are playing right now, without relying on Hall for their offensive output and out-working teams on both ends. Will Hall play in the A-10 tournament remains a question mark but at least we can all feel pretty confident they can still make a run even without him. Maddox really seems to have assumed the role as a scorer leading and they will continue to ride his hot hand regardless. Amari Kelly has done a better job staying out of foul trouble and continues to have success in and around the paint.

But seeing this team’s toughness on defense and diving for loose balls all over court speaks more to where this team in currently. If they continue doing things like that they will certainly be a team no one wants to face in Brooklyn. Newton has been kind of a glue guy recently and expect him to be a big part of any success Mason has next week.

Speaking of Brooklyn Mason has earned the 8th seed in the conference tournament and will face #9 Saint Joes in their first game Wednesday. The winners go on to face Richmond in the next round.

Mason matches up much better with Richmond, as we saw yesterday, than they do against Loyola-Chicago. Could be a more favorable part of the bracket for them if they can take care of Saint Joes. Richmond will certainly want revenge but Mason seemed to have their number yesterday. Also doesn’t hurt if Hall is coming off the bench or part of the rotation in some fashion but we shall see.