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George Mason holds off Delaware with clutch play from Isaiah Tate

George Mason Basketball: George Mason holds off Delaware with clutch play from Isaiah Tate

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Tuesday, January 04, 2011

George Mason holds off Delaware with clutch play from Isaiah Tate

The Patriots looked a little rusty to start off 2011 but used some hot shooting (not from the free-throw line) and some clutch play by Isaiah Tate to hold off Delaware for their second CAA victory.  His three-pointer with about eight minutes ago gave Mason the room they needed to close out the win.  Tate's 12 points off the bench was something the Patriots needed and could have used in their loss to Dayton.  Luke Hancock and Ryan Pearson again had great box score numbers while Mike Morrison continues to not know be much of a factor on offense.  Mason shot the ball very well on the night going 56.5% from the field but really could have ran away with the game if they just sank a few more free-throws. It is something we have become used to since last season but in this game it really hurts when you get to the line for 31 attempts and only come away with 18 points.

The team's chemistry this season and overall decision making is much improved from a year ago.  When team's clog up the middle the Patriots find the open man for an outside three, when the perimeter shots are denied they find Pearson or a cutting Hancock inside for the easy two.  Larranaga has to be impressed with this lately because it's been the difference in a lot of wins.  Overall I think this team is tough to beat when they are in transition and moving the ball well.  It was evident last night against a Delaware team that was playing a pretty darn good game.



However, defensively the Patriots weren't as sharp as they have been, allowing the Blue Hens to go on too many runs and Jawan Carter to score 20 points, 13 of which came in last five minutes.  They also gave up too many easy shots as Delaware shot over 44% from the field, the highest percentage the Patriots have given up at home this season.  As a whole the team is still giving up too many offensive rebounds which is really how Delaware kept this game close.

Mason is one of the three 2-0 teams in the CAA. Kind of amazing that ODU and VCU have already dropped a CAA game.  I think it just goes to show you how competitive this league is going to be this season.  Each one of these conference games is going to be important and road wins will probably come a premium meaning Mason has to continue to win these home ones. Mason now has a tough task of going on the road for their next three including a trip to Norfolk against ODU this Saturday.  

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11 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I disagree with your statement about Mike not knowing how to stay out of foul trouble. I thought he actually did a very good job last night NOT getting into foul trouble. He only had 2 fouls the whole night, 1 of which was ticky tack to say the least, and played 27 minutes, which is a good number for a big man, especially when he only played 17 minutes last game

9:41 AM  
Blogger Ryan said...

Had to edit that part I just wrote, for some reason I had a brain fart and thought he fouled out again last night. Thanks for the correction.

9:47 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Cutting Hancock?" He does not cut. He takes the ball and drives.

4:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just finished watching the game. Pearson looked excellent. Picked his spots, took what they gave him, and finished strong. Hancock looked back to form as well. He really does it all and is going to be our key player for the next few years. If this point guard coming in next year is any good, or when Allen gets some PT,our passing and assists could get even higher as Hancock would then be a compliment. Cam Long is playing great this year. He needs to take over more, but that's always been his story. Tate really is a huge asset and source of veteran leadership. I really wonder what he could do if he played more minutes. We looked mature and poised in this game, and I think Hancock looking healthy makes a big difference. If we can win this next one any way possible, I really think this could be our year to beat ODU on the road!!!!

11:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hancock definitely looks for HIS opportuniites and capitalizes on them. Long is way too unselfish. Tate should be a starter. Cornelius, I am still scratching my head about him. Pearson looked very good. Still needs to learn to pass the ball when faced with a double team. Mike needs to control the inside both offensively and defensively-just not a threat.

9:28 AM  
Blogger C Hirsch said...

Tate will be a non-factor against ODU Saturday. He never puts together back to back good performances.

1:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Do you have a link for tonight's game against Hofstra?

3:11 PM  
Blogger Ryan said...

Game's only televised on Fios in the NY area I believe so I doubt we'll find a stream.

4:20 PM  
Blogger HL said...

I dunno. Happy to get the win but they should be blowing the Blue Hens of the world out. Hofstra will be tough tonight.
Cam Long is a legit shot to make an NBA roster. I said it last year and I know it sounds a little wacky but if he were on a weaker, less balanced squad he'd be averaging 25+. n fact, if Mason had a point guard he might average that here.

7:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Do you know if anyone keeps track of +/- stats for the team. Maybe its because we don't have a real back up center, but Mike Mo has got to have one of the better +/- on the team. If only he could stay out of foul trouble and stay on the floor.

8:00 PM  
Blogger C Hirsch said...

Cam could play in the NBADL maybe, no chance he makes the real league. Not hating, just the truth.

9:56 AM  

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