Previewing George Mason at James Madison

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A quick turnaround for George Mason as they took a flight straight from Philly last night to Harrisonburg, VA to prepare for Saturday night's game against James Madison. This is the last game of that crucial stretch on their schedule and going 3-1 on it could go a long way this season. I watched VCU-JMU last night before the Mason-Drexel game and noticed that the Dukes don't have much of a front court presence. They do however  have one of the most productive back courts in the CAA.  They have lost space-eater Rayshawn Goins for the season due to a shoulder injury and senior forward Julius Wells is out with a heart condition.  That leaves the team painfully thin in the paint and is an area Mason should dominate in this game.  Ryan Pearson, who has one field goal in the last two games will hopefully get back on track in this one.  In their 20-point loss to VCU last night JMU was out-rebounded 42-26.  In other words the Morrison-Pearson-Copes trio should control the paint Saturday night.

JMU is relying heavily on their backcourt this season and have some of the conference's better shooting guards. As a team they have made the 2nd most three-pointers in the CAA. Guards Humpty Hitchens and A.J. Davis could have a night like Damion Lee from Drexel had if Mason doesn't do a better job on defense. JMU is a team that likes to run so this could be more of a track meet compared to the grudge matches we have seen recently.  Mason is the deeper team and will try to wear out the Dukes. I would expect Mason to get to the free-throw line a lot in this one also.  

NCAA Basketball