George Mason is headed to the CBI finals after win over Western Michigan

George Mason took care of Western Michigan last night in the CBI semifinals on the back of Jonathan Arledge's career-high 23 points. They will now face Santa Clara in the best of three CBI finals with the location still TBD. The Patriots played very good defense in this one and limited the Broncos free-throw opportunities, which was a big key heading in. On the other side Mason got to the line a ton and went 24-for-28 from there and controlling the tempo. When they get there at this high a rate they are tough to beat, plain and simple. Bryon Allen continued his excellent month of March scoring, stealing, and dishing out assists. He finished with seven of them in this one and has averaged 7.3 per game in the CBI so far. He has been running the offense more and overall everything looks smoother.

At one point Mason went on an 18-0 with the Broncos going scoreless for nine minutes during that stretch. The outside shots weren't playing for either team but the Patriots got 22 points off the Bronco's 23 turnovers and made them pay at the foul line. It wasn't a pretty game but Mason never lost control and even won the battle in the paint. The confidence this team is showing continues and they are playing better team basketball.

Jonathan Arledge continues to show his potential and scoring power. He's averaged 15 PPG during the CBI and has all but solidified the second scoring role on this team. His versatility definitely gave Western Michigan, who has a strong front court presence, problems all night. Teams don't know who to put on him and as a result he gets to the line. Last night he was 8-for-8 from there. His ability to score in transition is another big part of his game that has been helping Mason a lot over these last three games. Bryon Allen and Corey Edwards seem to be having an easier time finding him in good spots and results have been great.

The Patriots now face Santa Clara, who was probably the best team heading into this tournament. They have one of the most efficient offenses in the country and don't turn over the ball much. Most of their losses are to good teams, two to Gonzaga, two to Saint Mary's, and one to Duke and BYU. Kevin Foster is a heck of scorer (33 points last night) and is a lights out three-point shooter. They also have three other guys on their roster who are 1000+ point career scorers. They also have a legit big man in Marc Trasolini. It will no doubt be an tough fought best of three series and the Patriots will have to keep up their intensity on defense.

Bryon Allen steal and assist and 1 vine.co/v/bj1nJZtrAVH
— gmuhoops (@gmuhoops) March 27, 2013

Allen turning steals into points, his theme for March vine.co/v/bj1vmKWOiiY
— gmuhoops (@gmuhoops) March 27, 2013

Marko's three is 16 straight points for Mason vine.co/v/bj1gdLzKH0F
— gmuhoops (@gmuhoops) March 27, 2013

[Photo by Bill Bride]

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