George Mason survives against Drexel, moves on to face Northeastern in CAA semifinals

It was a physical game and George Mason survived for the win late with Drexel making a run. Bryon Allen was easily Mason's MVP today and had 16 points but more importantly 6 steals. They were momentum changing steals and we collectively saw Mason play one of their best defensive games of the season. Sherrod Wright came up big and take over early in the second half. He was attacking the rim and getting to the line often. He and Allen were too much to handle for Drexel's back court in the end. The Patriots did a good job on Drexel's leading scorer Damion Lee and didn't let him get going at any point. 

Credit is due to Paul Hewitt and the staff, Mason was ready for this one and executed their game plan well. The Dragons fought back late but Mason's key players led the team to the victory. They played with an aggressiveness on offense we haven't seen much of this season and they were more disciplined on defense for a change. I said earlier this week it was essential for Mason to attack the rim and get to the line, and they did.

Allen complemented Wright all day long with his breakaway drives and steals. You have to wonder what the season would have been if he played like that more often. As a team, Mason just seemed like they wanted it more and their star players led by example. They smelled blood in the second half and took over for a long stretch. After building a big lead they kind of coasted on defense and Hewitt even switched to a zone for a short period. Basketball is a game of runs and Mason just had their best ones a bit too early.

The most impressive thing about Mason today was their intensity on both ends. Shots weren't falling early but they didn't stop working. Marko Gujanicic was all over the place and hit the floor many times for loose balls. They out-worked the Dragons and wouldn't be denied. They will need to continue that type of mind set in order to win further in this tournament.

A few highlights:

Bryon Allen, steal and the basket vine.co/v/bwJmIHWqKLJ
— gmuhoops (@gmuhoops) March 9, 2013

Sherrod Wright follows his shot vine.co/v/bwJqAVFTwtK
— gmuhoops (@gmuhoops) March 9, 2013

Bryon Allen, another steal and basket vine.co/v/bwJn0xQzdUV
— gmuhoops (@gmuhoops) March 9, 2013