Andre Cornelius returns but still same old problems for George Mason this season

Photo by John Powell

The Patriots had another mistake prone evening in their 75-64 loss to Duquesne. The loss snapped their 18-game home winning streak and was certainly the first time in awhile we have seen this program get beat by that much at home. We received bad news right off the bat as the team announced Paris Bennett will be suspended two games for "off the court conduct". Although Paris has yet to register a point this season it still hurts the chemistry as he has already missed so much time due to injury in his career.  It was nice to finally see Cornelius out there and he did not appear to be rusty, scoring 11 points, hitting two three-pointers, and collecting three steals.  However, his return could not remedy the same problems we continue to see from this team.  

Photo by John Powell

Beating a dead horse. Turnovers, turnovers, and more turnovers, this time the number was 22. Doesn't seem like this issue is going to go away anytime soon.  Bryon Allen was the biggest culprit last night turning it over seven times.  Corey Edwards also somehow managed three in just 10 minutes of court time. The Dukes racked up 12 steals, some were gift wrapped.  The inexperience in the back court is obviously the team's most glaring weakness. At this point you have to question Paul Hewitt's offensive strategy, as most of you have already, because changes need to be made somewhere to help fix this problem.

Also here is a scary stat assessment:

Interesting tidbit gleaned through some research: In previous six seasons, Mason had eight 20-turnover games. Already have four this season.
— Patrick Stevens (@D1scourse) December 22, 2011

Getting beat on the glass. This was actually more of a concern to me while watching this game last night. We know already that this team turns over the ball a lot, but getting beat on the glass by a vastly smaller team? I thought that was going to be one of the team's strengths this season. Duquesne's rebounding percentage numbers were ranked somewhere in the #330s nationally with them often sporting a three or four guard lineup. The fact that Mason couldn't take advantage in this area is a serious cause for concern.  Morrison, Pearson, and Copes let Duquesne players beat them on the offensive glass way too much, there's no way that team should have collected nine offensive rebounds.

Just plain sloppy. This team just didn't look like there were ready to play last night, and Paul Hewitt even admitted that in the post game interviews. The game was ugly at times despite the fact that both teams were hitting shots. Mason sent the Dukes to the free throw line a ton and they were lucky they only connected on 15-of-23.  They also allowed open looks on the perimeter, the Dukes went 8-for-16 from the three-point line.  At this point, if it feels like I am writing the same things after every loss that's because I am.

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