Last Hurrah

Its was senior night in Fairfax, the last home game for a group that may have lacked star power but not determination against a weaker Georgia State team. Norwood, Burns, Konate, Thomas, and Monroe started; Charles Makings would have started but was a lost recently for the season with a torn ACL. A shame, I wanted to see his under-used swingman moves just one more time. Even if it wasn't senior night we still would have seen a different starting lineup due to that fact that Folarin Campbell was out with a strained hamstring and John Vaughan was suspended recently violating a team rule. Nothing to worry about to though, Vaughan will be back for the next game against Northeastern and Campbell might just sit out again to rest before the CAA tournament.

The Patriots looked like they were going to blow another 2nd half lead as a six-point halftime lead was turned into a five-point deficit. Jordan Carter was able to save the day late in the game with a clutch steal and layup, then a three-pointer from the corner to give Patriots the lead with less than three minutes remaining. Carter ended up with a career-high 14 points, and combined with Burns and Smith the trio was able to make 6 of 13 three-pointers. Will Thomas' services were not needed much but he still managed 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. The stat most exciting is his 6 assists, Thomas needs to help the guards make plays and set them up for shots like he did in this game for the Patriots to have a chance in the CAA tourney. The Patriots are still fighting for a 5th seed in the tournament with William & Mary, and needs them to lose on of their last two conference games.

With this victory the Patriots finish with a 7-6 home record, their worst since they went 4-8 back in 1998.