Something has to change or it will be a short weekend in Richmond for George Mason

This is not how George Mason wanted to be playing before heading into the post season.  This season has been full of ups and downs but now the Patriots find them in a position redeem themselves this weekend at the VCU Invitational CAA tournament. But they won't get very far in the tournament if they play anything like what we have been seeing in these last two games.  The good news is that the loss to VCU on Saturday doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things. The Patriots would have still been on the same side of the CAA tournament bracket pairings regardless of who won that game and they still have the to win the conference's auto-bid to get to the big dance. The question is can the Patriots shrug off these losses and play disciplined, sound basketball in Richmond?

They had a really difficult time with VCU's trap and could not seem to match their intensity. Towards the end of the game they were better on defense but they needed to play with that energy for a full 40 minutes. Their reputation of "sleep-walking" through the beginning of games was very evident on Saturday.  Teams that win in March play good defense and it needs to be what the Patriots are focusing on this week.

There are a number of things Mason needs to straight out before they head to Richmond and I'm not just talking about turnovers.  We've beaten to death the turnover issue this season, and since it's hasn't changed much to date, don't expect it to magically disappear this weekend.  They've still have won a ton of games despite their turnover percentage. The more pressing immediate issue is stopping the opposing team's hot shooter.  Over the last two games the opposing team's leading scorer had 27 and 31 respectively and combined for 30-for-34 at the free-throw line. This is beyond ridiculous and it exposes how Mason's defense can unravel. It is difficult to win when you hand the ball over to the other team constantly and then give them countless attempts at the free-throw line.  

The Patriots offense hasn't been the problem and even though VCU kept landing hay-makers on Saturday they didn't give up in trying to mount a comeback. Mason has the talent to mask some of their problems and we've seen this be the case in numerous games this year. The problem is they continue to shoot themselves in the foot during their runs when they are down by not doing their part on defense.  They don't keep guys off the perimeter and give way too many open looks.  And then when they don't give up the open looks, they will bail the other team out by fouling. It just comes down to discipline on the defensive end.  Bryon Allen and Corey Edwards aren't going to become floor generals overnight but the team can play improve on defense this weekend.

[Photo via vcuramnation.com]