George Mason’s buzzer beater win over UMass was their third win at the buzzer this season. It’s just another nail-biter for the Patriots, who has a flair for the dramatics.
It’s strange to say that a team that has a 14-15 record has some magic in them but here we are. Coming into the season, this year was thought of as a “building” year for George Mason and, in many respects it has been, but this team loves the late game pressure. The Patriots start two juniors, two freshmen, and a sophomore in one of the top mid-major conferences in the country.
At Atlantic 10 media day, they were picked to finish 10th in the conference. But with two games remaining, Coach Dave Paulsen’s club is in position to capture fourth place in the conference and earn a double-bye in the upcoming Atlantic 10 tournament.
The Patriots pulled off their third buzzer beater (the other two came against St. Joe’s) win of the conference season in their 78-76 overtime victory over UMass. George Mason squandered a 16-point lead in the second half and was down three late in regulation when UMass’ Unique McLean fouled freshman Goanar Mar on a three-point attempt with .9 seconds left. The freshman calmly stepped up and knocked down all three free throws, sending the game into overtime.
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In overtime, UMass’ CJ Anderson tied the game at 76 with 5 seconds left. Paulsen elected not to call timeout and the ball was inbounded to the Patriots speedy point guard, Otis Livingston II. With UMass in full retreat, Livingston II used his speed to give George Mason, what essentially was a three on two fast break, which Ian Boyd finished with a buzzer beating layup.
The final sequence is a prime example of great preparation. Getting the ball out of the basket and up the court before the defense is set was the key to the play. Every coach in the country practices end of game scenarios and as Coach Paulsen noted in the post game press conference, his team showed composure in the moment.
“We didn’t come unglued and we executed what we wanted to do at the end,” head coach Dave Paulsen.
Next: A look at the A-10 down the stretch
George Mason finishes the season at VCU and home to Richmond. The VCU game will serve as an elimination game as both teams sit tied for fifth, one game behind Saint Louis. With the Atlantic 10 tournament being held in Washington D.C., George Mason will have plenty of fan support and could continue their magical season all the way to the conference finals.