George Mason Basketball: What to take from last night's win over Brown

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

What to take from last night's win over Brown

Last night George Mason dismantled Brown in a 74-48 victory, however there are a few things we can take away from this game.

Freshman Corey Edwards got rewarded for his strong play against FAU and started at point guard in place of Bryon Allen. Edwards ended up playing about the same amount of minutes as Allen and finished with six points, four assists, and only one turnover. Both point guards have had a high turnover rate this season and it will be interesting to see if this was just a temporary move because they are playing three games in four days or a sign of things to come. The offense definitely seems to flow a bit smoother with Edwards at the helm.

As a team they only yielded 11 turnovers, there lowest amount yet this season. Take numbers like that with a grain of salt considering four out of five Brown starters scored three or less points in this game.

Vaughn Gray saw a lot of action last night and contributed 10 points. We finally got to see a bit of that shooting stroke that Hewitt has been talking about and if Bennett's injury continues to linger Gray's minutes could improve.

Copes, Morrison, and Pearson controlled the boards which was really the big difference in this game. Copes is averaging a solid 5.6 boards a game in only about 19 minutes of action.

Sherrod Wright returned from his wrist injury but only played the first half, since the game was out of hand pretty early. Paris Bennett still has yet to play this season due to an ankle injury, Hewitt says he might make his first appearance November 30 against Bucknell.

The Patriots take on Albany tonight at 7:30 pm at the Patriot Center for their last game of NIT Tip-off.

George Mason vs Brown

George Mason player stats

Labels: Post Game Recaps

16 Comments:

GMURULES said...: I know you said Mo, Copes and Pearson controlled the boards, but I am concerned about their play in general around the rim. I went to VT, the URI game and this one. They continue not to box out or have more than one under the rim for the boards or put backs on offense. Is there some thing wrong with Mo in that he seems gun shy, not finishing strong on the offensive side and not dominating on the boards on the other side. We could have beat Brown by 50 or 60. As you said, 4 of 5 starters scored less than 3 pts. They are a very weak team. Play around the rim is a concern of mine.; 10:00 AM
gmuhoops said...: The front court play around the rim isn't quite dominating weaker teams like many of us had hoped. Morrison has never been that tough around the rim in my opinion but he needs to step up and be more of a force, at least on the boards.; 10:06 AM
Matt said...: Glad Corey got the start I think that could have happened sooner. This wasn't great competition but neither was Monmonth and we turned the ball over 20 times in that game so at least that wasn't a repeat. I don't think Mike is gun shy he's never been a prolific score for us, he need to make easy put backs but I'm not sure how much we need him to shoot at any other time. We need to mop up again to night and get some flow going. Looking forward to seeing what Paris brings but I'm glad they are taking their time with him. UVA beat Drexel good, probably no at large for the CAA at all this year so conference play is all that matter for all of us.; 10:43 AM
Jphubba said...: The team has made progress, but it's still hard to be optimistic. Ball movement was poor. None of the guards positioned himself properly for outlet passes. The entry passes to the post were weak. Against a good team, none of those passes would work. Movement without the ball was hesitant. Against the Brown zone, there was too much dribbling and not enough quick decisive passes.

The big men need to concentrate on a few moves that will work against good opponents. Pearson made several interesting shots, but none of them will be available against VCU and the like. Pearson and Morrison both drove to the basket from beyond the free throw line, again something that will not be possible against a strong opponent

Individual defense was better, but defensive rotations were often slow. Copes fronted his man at one point, but no one rotated to defend after a Copes' man received a pass.

Morrison is clearly having issues of some sort. Hewitt took him aside at one point and spoke to him alone. Mike looks confused and hesitant. He lacks good basketball instincts and needs lots of coaching. In particular he needs to concentrate on the few things he does well -- which does not include handling the ball at the top of the key against a zone. (What was Hewitt thinking?)

Edwards looked good at both ends. Allen has slow feet and plays very stiff. I don't see him playing much point guard once Edwards has more experience and Cornelius returns. The two or three spot would suit Allen much better.

Vaughans played well, as did Gray and Copes. Arledge needs help getting the ball where he can do something with it. Hewitt's unstructured approach does not suit him (along with several other players).; 11:58 AM
Christopher Hirsch said...: Good addition with the statsheet in the post, hope you keep that up.; 1:19 PM
GMUFan said...: It would appear the team needs clear direction on the court. Direction that would open up defenses, due to uncertainty of where the ball will go. A true point guard with court vision and the ability to control the flow the game. One of the 3 walk ons has that ability I am curious why he has not seen more court time. His skill will give strength to the offense. I know he is not a scholarship player, but I thought the goal was to win.; 1:56 PM
gmuhoops said...: Thanks, I will have that on there from now on. Also, there's a 2011-2012 season stats tab in the top right of the home page I just added.; 2:01 PM
gmuhoops said...: One of the walk-ons has more court vision than Allen or Edwards? What on earth makes you think that? I think I will trust the coaching staffs judgement, who sees them at every practice and not something you think you saw in 2-3 minutes of action against Monmouth and Brown.; 2:07 PM
Jake said...: lol I couldn't have answered that better myself. On another note from what I hear Andre has looked really good in practice playing with the second unit. Dec 21 cannot come soon enough evn though I really like edwards I think he is very smart & can defend just needs to get stronger.; 4:14 PM
gmuhoops said...: From the FAU game: glad to see somehing I tipped to DC Sports Bog, made it to Deadspin! Pretty funny.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/post/florida-atlantic-fans-rush-the-court-after-beating-george-mason/2011/11/22/gIQATeuYlN_blog.html?tid=sm_btn_twitter

http://deadspin.com/5861931/because-any-time-you-beat-the-63rd-best-team-in-college-basketball-you-have-to-rush-the-court; 4:19 PM
Brentrg said...: Just watched the highlights. I was excited after seeing the score and stats, but man was that a weak white boy team! They were small, short, and weak. Did I say weak again? ? We were who we thought they were.. an ivy league team! Tonight should be a much better matchup one that we should win at home. The best thing out of this game is that our turnovers were down, and if i'm correct, they have gone done just about every single game. By the time CAA comp rolls around, we'll be at +10!!!!; 4:44 PM
GMURULES said...: Great write up. Morrison looks dazed and confused. Allen does play stiff, good point. It is weird/different seeing Pearson and Morrison driving. I think Wright, when he gets his confidence in full gear, can be a difference maker. Love Edwards. Gray will be stud if he finds his stroke. We have to bring up the intensity, hit the boards on both end better and hit the 3 ball, but not from Pearson or Arledge. We will not make a living with them jacking it up.; 5:31 PM
Christopher Hirsch said...: Haha nice, except don't like Deadspin hating on the CAA. However, with the state of the conference this year they are probably right.

Also, we still got votes in the Coaches poll, what a joke.; 5:39 PM
Christopher Hirsch said...: As a weak white boy your post has left me feeling very down on myself, but also like I could make the Brown varsity basketball team.; 5:40 PM
Neeker20 said...: Went to GMU vs Albany game tonight and there was improvement. Edwards looked better and Allan showed improvement copes continues to improve offensively. This team will likely strugle early and has huge upside (talent) will be a contender at the CAA tourney.; 12:18 AM
G-n-G said...: A few thoughts on this weeks’ games: 1) Mike was playing
some uninspired basketball through the first half against Brown, but some
coaching and set plays for him early in the second got him going and it carried
into the Albany game. 2) Edwards is a much more natural and fluid point guard
than Allen. The offense is much smoother with him in charge. 3) Eric has some
impressive touch on his shots, you can see why he was so highly rated and what
a steal this was for Hewitt and Mason. 4) The team showed its most fire during
the Albany game, with Ryan and Sherrod in particular getting emotional. It
seemed like a good sign, but it’s not something that you carry from one game to
another. 5) Gray definitely is a nice scorer/shooter but there’s work to be
done on his defense, which is to be expected. 6) In both games the team made a
concerted effort to get into passing lanes and try to poke the ball away,
probably in part to generate a few more fast break opportunities. 7) I wonder
if Vertrail’s ankle was bothering him after playing 3 games in 4 days because
he was hobbling some in the second half of the Albany game and all of his shots
that half were off. 8) It was nice to see Paris suited up for the first time
this season, even if he didn’t play against Albany.; 8:26 AM

What to take from last night's win over Brown

George Mason Basketball

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

What to take from last night's win over Brown

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