George Mason Basketball: 2018-19 keys for Patriots against GW Colonials

George Mason Basketball is on a roll in conference play. Can the Patriots keep that up against A-10 foe George Washington?

George Mason Basketball comes back home on a four game winning streak after their 67-63 win at Dayton. The Patriots moved into first place after Duquesne’s win over Saint Louis. Patriots have a half game lead over Saint Louis, Davidson, and Duquesne.

What made the win at Dayton so special was how they did it. UVA transfer, Jarred Reuter, played his best conference game since arriving to Fairfax. His 14-point performance was the best since conference play has begun. It couldn’t have come on a better night as George Mason’s leading scorer, Justin Kier, had a conference play low 12 points.

Things have changed for George Mason after a slow start to the season. They are playing as relaxed as they have all season. Perhaps, the expectations at the beginning of the season was too much. It can also be said that too many got off of the bandwagon too soon. No matter which one is true, George Mason is where some thought they would be before the season started, competing for the Atlantic 10 title.

The Patriots opponent, George Washington, is coming off an 11 loss at Davidson but they’ve shown flashes throughout the conference season. They took second place Duquesne into overtime after erasing an 18-point deficit. They were up 10 at halftime against Dayton before running out of gas in the 72-66 loss.

KenPom projects a 14 point win for George Mason, 74-70. ESPN’s BPI has George Mason at 92.2%. Here are the keys for George Mason to beat the Colonials on Saturday.

1. Defense

Per KenPom, in conference play, George Mason is first in 3-point defense, third in eFG%, and fourth in Defensive Efficiency. It’s been understated how good the Patriots have been on defense in conference play. The 3-point defense offsets their ranking in 2-point percentage. The Patriots close out on team’s most dangerous shooters forcing them inside the line. Yes, they are going to give up some easier shots but it allows them to prevent teams from winning games from behind the three-point line.

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The defense has allowed then to absorb slow starts on offense without teams running away from them on the scoreboard. Close wins against UMass and Dayton are perfect examples where defense held the game at a manageable level until the offense caught up.

Point Guard Play

Otis Livingston II is one of the best point guards in the conference but George Washington’s Justin Mazzulla isn’t anyone to sneeze at. Livingston II’s role has changed a bit from last season but when it comes to crunch time, he’s going to have the ball in his hands. His game winner against Fordham came when the Rams zoned George Mason on the final possession. Livingston II got an open look at a three pointer, draining it with .4 seconds left.

Livingston II’s numbers have dipped from last season but he’s just as dangerous. It’s just his danger in is a different way. With teams focusing more on his, he’s taken advantage of it by sharing the ball (and the spotlight) with the likes of Justin Kier.

Mazzulla is the type of guard that does everything. He’s willing to drive hard to the basket and kick when help comes over. He’ll shoot the jump shot when need be. He’s your cliche “do anything to win” type of player. On defense, he’s a menace. He will play hard, physical defense on the perimeter if need be.

George Washington won’t be as generous. If Livingston II starts controlling the game off his dribble, the Colonials will go zone if need be. Even if they aren’t guarding each other, the play of both players is one of the keys to the game.

Jordan Miller

Jordan Miller‘s debut against Rhode Island blew everyone away. For those from Northern Virginia, you knew how good the Loudon County native could be. Now the conference knows. Since that game, he hasn’t scored in double digits but he gives George Mason a level of athletic plays that don’t have anywhere else.

As he gets more experience, his ability to make plays off-script is going to be big for the Patriots. Playing against the Colonials should give him the opportunity to get to the basket and show off his ability to finish around the rim.

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George Washington lacks a rim protector and with the emphasis being on stopping the likes of Kier and Livingston II, Miller should have the opportunity to have his first double-digit game since Rhode Island.

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