George Mason battles Hofstra tonight, begins crucial stretch of CAA games

The Patriots take on Hofstra tonight in Fairfax for the beginning of a crucial run of CAA games.  The battle for the top of the standings will begin to heat up after tonight's game as Mason next faces ODU on Saturday, followed by games with James Madison and VCU shortly after.  The Patriots are 10-0 at home this season and have won all but one by at least 13 points so you can see why the online betting at BetUS has George Mason the double-digit favorite in this one despite having previously lost to the Pride.  That game against Hofstra earlier in the season was probably Mason's worst of the season as Charles Jenkins shredded the Patriots in the 2nd half.  If Mason doesn't slow down Jenkins in this one the Pride could very much be in this game in the 2nd half.  Mason should have the edge in rebounding as the Pride have been beaten on the boards during their last two games against VCU and Drexel both of which they lost.  Defensively I think Mason will take care of business as usual in the Patriot Center despite Hofstra being hungry for a conference win.