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Road Dogs

George Mason Basketball: Road Dogs

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Sunday, February 10, 2008

Road Dogs

Mason basketball suffered another disappointing road loss most likely ending all the at large bid talk for the time being. Oh and by the way John Vaughan's knee is messed up again, that's right, the one he had surgery on two years ago. What was most disappointing about this loss to ODU was the fact that Folarin Campbell probably had one of his best performances since 2006, scoring a career-high 28. Campbell and Thomas seemed to be the only players that showed yesterday. Cam Long played 30 minutes and only mustered 3 points shooting 1 for 8 from the field. John Vaughan did not look himself at all and later we learned that he injured his bad knee late in the Drexel game. Dre Smith's wild shot selection continued and Jordan Carter was again a non-factor. Rebounding and defense was really the difference in the game as the Monarchs first half was basically a shooting clinic. I never seen a team get such easy shots over and over again. The rebounding numbers appear even on the score sheet but ODU was able to get offensive at will when it counted. Will Thomas IS rebounding for the Patriots, as no other forward seems to know how to box out.

There have been two Mason teams this season, the well oiled machine we see dominate at the Patriot Center and then the team we saw play yesterday in Norfolk. Why does Mason play so different on the road? Every team has occasion struggles on the road but for the Patriots it's almost like they forget how to play together. Some of the blame needs to fall on the coach because it has been a problem all season long. I really don't know what else to say, I thought Mason was past these struggles.

7 Comments:

Blogger Brann...it's good for you. said...

Yeah, crappy loss. But, I don't think we should sing the dirges yet. This team is at least consistent...we suck butt on the road. We better not look past Towson either for UNCW...The Tigers almost beat us at home.

7:21 AM  
Blogger Farmdog said...

I agree Brannman - no need to throw in the towel.
Let's face it - Monroe would have been a HUGE help this year on the boards and occupying space in the lane. Birdsong has become a non-factor of late after being reliable for 10 and 8 early in the season. Not sure what is up there, but may be time to get Fleming in there to at least put the body on someone.
Will is the only one on the inside now and that will wear him down.
3 headed monster - now 2 with JV on the mend - where are the Folarins and Wills this year - like they were in '06 - time for the underclassmen to step up.

11:22 AM  
Blogger C Hirsch said...

I don't consider us a favorite against anyone on the road. We better take Towson seriously.

That game at Ohio is looking more and more like a blow out loss with every passing road game.

11:22 AM  
Blogger Brann...it's good for you. said...

I agree on Fleming over Birdsong at this point. While Fleming may lack offensive skills, the kid shows heart and determination on every play. He'll fight for rebounds and at least TRY to play inside - unlike Birdsong. Both Birdsong and Smith need to sit. Even though he went a crappy 1/8 on Sat., I'd like to see Long in there instead of Smith. I totally agree, farmdog...we need some of the youth to step up.

1:55 PM  
Blogger C Hirsch said...

If Chris Fleming is a starter on our team we can officially consider our season over.

5:05 PM  
Blogger Mr. Miles said...

That was a horrible game for the team forget about individual stats. That loss and all of the other roads losses except for maybe Villinova should have been wins. This team is playing like they will just coast until they are at home or when they travel to Richmond. Which by the way is on the road. Hey Patriots wake up!!! Campbell and Thomas grab these other guys by the nuts if they have them and tell them to wake up. This is a team and right now they are playing 2 on 5. I see an early exit for the Patriots in Richmond if this continues.

5:28 PM  
Blogger FarmerTed said...

I'm sorry I did not get to this thread yesterday.

Here, here. How can Will Thomas continue to carry this team? 40 MINUTES against ODU?

It seemed they couldn't even take him out when he was gassed. Did you noticed how Will and Folarin were drenched in sweat, but no one else was? They were wearing a DIFFERENT COLOR JERSEY!! 2 on 5.

Green, Gold, DARK Green, Gold

Just when I think front court depth is our problem John Vaughn is hurt and...? Huh? Folarin stands alone.

Well never point out problems unless you think you have solutions.

FRONTCOURT: Unless Vlad is meeting with Brian McNamee while he is on Capitol Hill, give Fleming some minutes to both wear on opposing big men and rest Thomas.

Teach Birdsong not to swat down on every guy going up right under the basket. (The only sure call you will get from CAA refs is THAT call. Even, no make that especially, when you get all ball. Speaking of the refs - I loved the jump ball call changed a few seconds later to a shot clock violation.)

LB can't get in foul trouble.

BACKCOURT:
MOVE THE BALL. It seems to me that in bad times they are always waiting for a defender when they get the ball. Or they dribble towards a teammate. Watch when they are playing well, they are moving the ball fast, inside, outside or around the perimeter and driving when they have a step.
Fix Carter's confidence. I don't know how. but it might be the only wat to stop the over dribble and at least hit iron when he shoots. We need him. (Admit it, you knew we would need JC before you heard about Vaughan's knee).

Am I nuts or just long winded, or both?

9:07 PM  

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