Previewing Hampton

The Patriots will try to bounce back tomorrow night in Fairfax as they face off against another team nicknamed the Pirates. How fitting. Last time they played Hampton in Fairfax it was a blowout to say the least. But this is in no way a similar squad, as they have already taken down VCU on their current three game winning streak and lost to Maryland by only six. Hampton is lead by senior guard Rashad West (pictured to the left) who is averaging 17 points and was able to drop 23 on the Terrapins. They play a similar style of play to the Patriots and are not strong from the three point or foul line. They were 1 for 12 on three pointers in their game against VCU but did force the Rams to turnover the ball 21 times. The Pirates do not have much talent up front but then again niether did ECU. Can Mason take advantage and get Thomas and Birdsong involved early? I think that will be the key to this game considering the shooting roles of the guards for Mason has been way too inconsistent. Dre Smith and John Vaughan will light it up at times but then fade away when they are needed. In other words, the Patriots will have to get back to their bread and butter, which is feeding Thomas in the low post. Thomas, who should have been able to beat ECU by himself, will hopefully be able to stay out of foul trouble in this one. Watching him on the bench for that long on Sunday night was painful.

An interesting story coming into this game is Folarin Campbell and his recent benching by Coach L. Will he start tomorrow or is he still in the dog house? I kind of get the impression something happened during halftime in the locker room Sunday that led to his lack of play in the second half despite his poor first half performance. The team could not need him more at this point and it is unfortunate to watch a guy like Campbell struggle with all he has done in the past. But if he again gets less than 20 minutes will guys like Cam Long and Dre Smith be able to produce in his absence? This could really open the door wide open for a guy like Long, who I am liking more and more each game.