Previewing George Mason at Drexel

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George Mason is handling one of the toughest stretches of their schedule very well so far. Things don't get much easier though as they travel to Philly to take on Drexel Thursday night (TV: ESPNU & ESPN3).  Drexel was once tabbed the CAA favorite but it's looking like they won't live up to the hype after double-digit losses to both Delaware and Georgia State already.  Like ODU they are not an offensively powerful team but play a tough brand of basketball with defense and rebounding.  They have had their troubles scoring this season (10th PPG in CAA) and have been held under 50 points three times this season.  Mason has also had their shares of scoring droughts over the last couple of games and will need to stay out of another ugly, gritty game.  We have yet to see Mason force their high tempo game on any CAA opponents yet, perhaps this may be the night.

Drexel has one of the toughest front court's in the CAA but they are streaky on offense. All-CAA forward Samme Givens scored 31 against Fairfield earlier this season but fouled out against VCU on Sunday with 4 points.  They are first in the CAA under defensive rebounding percentage as a group but not nearly as tough on the offensive glass.  The Patriots have a size advantage with Ryan Pearson, Mike Morrison, and Erik Copes who have all have done excellent on the boards recently. Copes still has those moments where he is overly aggressive and gets into foul trouble; Mason will need him in this game and can't get frustrated like he did against ODU.  It will also be interesting to see if Morrison can continue to be an offensive threat for this team. 

The back court will busy trying to slow down Frantz Massenat. He went 4-for-4 from behind the arch against VCU on Sunday and can score in bunches. Drexel's back court has balanced scoring but really only Massenat seems capable of taking over a game.  Mason's guards like to drive the lane but this Drexel team is very sound on defense and doesn't send opposing teams to the free throw line very much.  They will have to choose their shots carefully and another night of Vertrail Vaughns making outside shots would go a long way.  

Mason has been able to come out of some ugly games this season on top and this could be another one of those games.  Drexel's DAC gym can be a tough environment to play and for about half of the team it will be their first time playing there. You have to like Mason's chances however because they are finding ways to win in different situations, something we didn't see in the beginning of the year. They are not solely riding on the back of Ryan Pearson and are starting to play excellent defense to close out games.  

NCAA Basketball

A few articles from this week:

George Mason's Mike Morrison trying to harness his emotions

GMU’s Copes heeding uncle’s words of advice

George Mason's Copes not afraid of dirty work