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Patriots head to Big South

George Mason Basketball: Patriots head to Big South

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Monday, December 28, 2009

Patriots head to Big South























The Patriots travel down to Radford Wednesday to take on last year's Big South champion. This will be an interesting test for Mason as the Highlanders sport a much bigger line-up including the team's leading scorer and rebounder Artsiom Parakhouski who stands at 6-11, 260 lbs. Their line-up includes a three forward, two guard set which we don't see often among mid-majors. Will this give the Patriots trouble and will rebounding be an issue in this one? Mason has had trouble out-rebounding teams they had a size advantage over so this could be a battle for second chance points. Parakhouski will give the Patriots trouble and keeping guys like Mike Morrison and Ryan Pearson out of foul trouble will be key. I would expect to see a lot more minutes for Kevin Foster up front in this one as well. As for the backcourt, Radford doesn't have anyone that will give Cam Long and the rest of the gang much trouble so Mason will have to take advantage in that area. Three-point shooting could also be a factor in this one as Radford has been allowing their opponents to shoot over 34% from behind the arch. William & Mary squeaked by these guys last week by nailing 15 three-pointers. Another weakness Mason could exploit is the Highlanders lack of depth, an up and down the court type game could favor the quicker, more athletic Patriots.

We have only seen this team win once on the road so far and I am curious to see how they will come out after only playing once in 18 days. The young guys on this team need to get more reps on the road, so hopefully Larranaga will use this game like the Tulane one and play the freshmen often. Last time the Patriots played a bigger team I thought we'd see more Johnny Williams, might things be different this time? The kid needs more work on his game but I still believe he will have a bigger impact before the season is over.

This is the final out of conference game before the conference schedule kicks into full swing and it will be the final chance for Larranaga to play around with the line-up. Some questions that still remain unanswered would be is the starting line-up going to stay the same and will the scramble defense continue to be put on hold.

Side note: Freshmen Sherrod Wright was named CAA Rookie of the Week

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8 Comments:

Blogger variaban said...

Our guys are very sporadic but they can do it. I hope they really want the win and start CAA play 7-5.

3:32 PM  
Blogger Mr. Miles said...

I will tell you what cause Mason to win or lose. It will be their ability to cut to the basket and shoot free throws. If they do that and keep Radford running will lead them to a victory. Shooting 3's on the road will not be pretty or easy. I don't care what the percentage they give up. Guard play will be huge, that is where Mason will need to exploit Radford.

4:17 PM  
Blogger variaban said...

Man, I can't believe myself, I was just defending the hell out of W&M on the conversation forum for the W&M vs. UMCP game...

1:41 PM  
Blogger variaban said...

Can this game be watched online?

7:58 PM  
Blogger Mr. Miles said...

Ryan please don't post the one highlight of the game. I know that it is a new feature of your blog. I am begging you not to show the only highlight of the game. That was when 0:00 showed up on the clock.

About the game. Mason has no offense and Coach L showed no emotion throughout the game. No Coach L team I have watched has ever played D so poorly. If these Kats are not picking up this scrammble D or whatever he is trying to play then change it. Why didn't he pack the paint to stop the Big for Radford. If you don't do that then you have to pressure the ball to make the entry pass harder. None of this took place.

Mason had five players out on the floor all night that looked like they have never seen a ball, another player, or a court. Where is the Basketball IQ. Where is the fluid offense and team D. The players were out of position all night when trying to rebound. No movement on offense. Mason played like Radford usually does. I don't care what kind of team Radford has Mason should never lose to them.

This team is going to have a really long year. And we are as well as fans. There are 3 really good teams in the CAA the rest are fighting for 4th. Mason is not anywhere near the top 4.

9:17 PM  
Blogger Beach Dreams said...

I just saw the GMU-Radford score.... I am speechless.

11:19 PM  
Blogger variaban said...

I don't even know what to say...
what the F happend tonight?

11:24 PM  
Blogger Ryan said...

Couldn't agree more mooky, not that there were many highlights to take for Mason in this one.

8:51 AM  

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