Late tip-in gets the win for George Mason over Charleston in CBI

Last night's game at Charleston started out very similar to the George Mason's last game against Northeastern. They looked great in the first half, making shots and getting a ton of points off turnovers. However it was more of the same from what we have seen on defense for the Patriots and they spent most of the second half constantly sending the Cougars to the free-throw line. But despite the breakdowns and sloppiness, Mason kept battling back and made a lot of big shots down the stretch. Both Jonathan Arledge and Bryon Allen hit key three-pointers but Mason didn't get the lead back that they squandered until the final tip-in by Erik Copes. It was an impressive night on offense for the Patriots as they finished with 29 points off turnovers and saw all their starters finish in double figures. More importantly they finally won in those black jerseys!

Better look at final winning tip in by Erik Copes vine.co/v/bpD9jbiAApr
— gmuhoops (@gmuhoops) March 20, 2013

He is a more detailed looked at the final sequence that led to the winning tip-in for George Mason:

Erik Copes played the hero and had an impressive night. He could have down a better job keeping Charleston off the glass, especially Adjehi Baru, but on offense it was one of his better nights. The hook shots and short jumpers were falling and he didn't turn over the ball around the basket.

It wasn't a great night for Marko Gujanicic, who ended up fouling out early with only three points. He was a big reason why the Patriots defense stumbled in the second half and got sloppy. The kid has his moments but a lot of times he just doesn't make the right decisions, on either end of the court. Defensively he just has to get better or he's not nearly as reliable off the bench for Mason.

In the back court Bryon Allen and Corey Edwards were a combined 5-for-6 from behind the three-point line. They both picked up the slack when Sherrod Wright, who had 16 points in the first half, started off slow in the second. Defensively they had a few breakdowns but for the most part played a tough game. The shots were just falling for Charleston. Neither Edwards nor Allen had any fouls during the game, which was shocking considering the team finished with 27 total.

Although this game did look very similar to some of the meltdowns we have seen this season, the Patriots did a better job of weathering the storm. The fouls were ridiculous and the calls certainly weren't going their way but they had that fight in them to keep themselves in it. I think their intensity, despite losing their big lead in the second half, was what was different in this game for them.

Bryon Allen is starting to look more like a leader on both ends. He's been averaging three steals a game over the last three games. That's definitely a part of his game I hope carries over into next season. And oh yeah, apparently he can hit threes now too.

Bryon Allen, steal and dish vine.co/v/bpDA5BhmEiF
— gmuhoops (@gmuhoops) March 19, 2013

Sherrod Wright was a big part of Mason jumping out to the early big lead. Charleston locked in on him in the second half and mounted their comeback. This is what is going to happen a lot more next season and Mason needs to be prepared for it. Having your starting five all end up in double figures is the way to do that. They didn't need a huge lift from their bench last night and got it done with their optimal lineup. Balance will be important next season for this squad and last night was a good example of how good their offense can be.

George Mason will host the winner of the Texas/Houston game at the Patriot Center on Monday night.

College Basketball

College Basketball