JV and Thomas Save the Day

Last the Patriots and Pride put on a show in Hempstead, with John Vaughan hitting a buzzer beating three-pointer to force overtime and eventually help secure a double OT road victory. Check out the video highlights here. Hofstra came to play and it wasn't just Agudio who was scoring, how has this team only won 3 games? Well any Mason fan can you tell you we seem to bring out the best in teams. The Patriots did a great job of containing Agudio, who only had 4 points in the first half. Which should not have come as a surprise considering he averages more points in the 2nd half than anyone else in the CAA does in a whole 40 minutes. Agudio really showed what an incredible player he is last night, the guy knew that Mason wasn't going to let him drop 30 so he distributed the ball all night. He was able to create great shots for his teammates all night, which almost helped the Pride steal this one away from the Patriots.

Will Thomas was the key reason for Mason's victory, scoring a career-high 29 points, see what happens when you keep feeding this guy the rock!?!?! I have been saying it all year, late in the game when it's close you gotta go to your bread and butter. I feel Mason has lost some games this year because they failed get Thomas enough touches in the closing minutes. Vaughan and Campbell also had great nights, scoring 18 and 20 respectfully. Although Campbell got most of his points at the end of game making free throws he still showed us he still has the clutch performance in him, despite driving to the basket and missing layups in the 2nd half.

It was another night where Dre Smith started off hot but cooled down in the second half, he needs to stop this, it's like he's afraid to shoot in the 2nd half or something. As a team the Patriots shot the ball well from everywhere, including the free throw line which they were actually able to get to for a change. Freshmen Cam Long and Vlad Moldoveanu got a lot of minutes in this game and it was great to see Vlad in there late in the OTs (he will hit those threes eventually, be patient). Another thing worth noting in this game is Jordan Carter coming in late in the 1st half threading the needle on a perfect pass to Vlad and then leaving shortly after. He must not be 100% yet because I don't see why he would not be in the game when Mason was struggling in the 2nd half.

The road victory is exactly what Mason needs to get momentum for Saturdays showdown with JMU in Harrisburg. It will be another tough game for the Patriots, but honestly which game hasn't been this season? JMU has talent and are well coached, I would not be surprised to see another nail-biter.