Semifinals
(1) VCU vs (5) George Mason
VCU ended the regular season on a six-game winning streak, and while the Rams have had an impressive road to success, they will face their biggest challenge yet. They took down Mason 72-52 at home on January 25th, but that is something the Patriots did not forget; they will come in with a chip on their shoulder. George Mason will make the Rams work a little bit harder in this one, and every time they come out swinging, the Patriots will have a response and not go away. I wouldn’t be surprised if this game went into overtime with George Mason heading to the Atlantic 10 championship game.
Prediction: George Mason
(2) Dayton vs (3) Fordham
Dayton gave Fordham a problem earlier this season as the Flyers were victorious 82-58, and while this one should be a lot closer, it still will be a problem for the Rams. I could see Fordham struggling to hit on some of their shots to open up this game to dig themselves into a hole. I believe Daron Holmes II will have a quiet double-double, and it will be the Toumani Camara show. Dayton will walk away comfortably with a victory to advance to the Atlantic 10 championship game.
Prediction: Dayton
Finals
(2) Dayton vs (5) George Mason
The Flyers and Patriots will feature some of the best talent on Sunday in the league and the nation. It will be a battle between Josh Oduro and Daron Holmes II, who will each look to punch a ticket to the big dance. George Mason was victorious on the road 74-69 on February 25th. The Flyers will come out with a solid game plan, but it won’t be enough to stop a three-point clinic from the Patriots.
We can expect DeVon Cooper and Ronald Polite III to hit clutch shots to give George Mason a commanding lead in the final minute, and it will be too late for Dayton. The George Mason Patriots will win the Atlantic 10 championship for the first time ever and head back to the NCAA tournament since 2011.
Prediction: George Mason