It will be a battle between Atlantic 10 opponents when the George Washington Colonials (21-8) welcome the George Mason Patriots (10-19) to Charles E. Smith Center. Action begins at 8:00 pm ET on Tuesday, Mar. 1.
The Colonials are hoping for a better outcome after their 69-65 loss to VCU on Saturday. Kevin Larsen was the best player for the Colonials, putting up 15 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. The Patriots are coming off a 76-68 loss at the hands of La Salle on Saturday. George Mason lost despite the best efforts of Shevon Thompson, who recorded his 11th double-double of the season with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
Jalen Jenkins has been hot for the Patriots, averaging 15.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks over the past five games.
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Colonials won the first game 76-70. Patricio Garino was the game’s leading scorer with 19 points.
The Colonials come into this game 21-8 Straight Up (SU) and 13-13-1 Against The Spread (ATS). The Colonials are a phenomenal shooting team from the line with a .759 free throw percentage, one of the highest marks in Division I. The George Washington defense has done poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 76.8 points per game, well above their season average of 68.2.
Over on the other bench, the Patriots have records of 11-14-1 ATS and 10-19 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 74.9 PPG, above their 66.5 PPG season average.
George Washington won the last meeting this season between these two teams, bumping its SU record to 6-1 over George Mason in their most recent meetings. On the other hand, with a 4-3 record, George Mason has the advantage ATS. When it comes to field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers, George Mason held the edge in all three of these categories once in the last five meetings. George Washington never did so in those games.
Predictions: SU Winner – GW, ATS Winner – GW
Notes
George Mason averages 66.5 points per game, placing the team just 238th in the nation. George Washington ranks 75th in points allowed, giving up 68.2 points per game.
The George Mason Patriots average 67.4 possessions per game and .985 points per possession. The George Washington Colonials earn fewer possessions with 67.2, but they score more points with 1.117.
The George Washington Colonials average an effective field goal percentage of 50.1% this season. The George Mason Patriots have an abysmal record of 1-9 when opponents have an eFG% of 50.1% or greater.
George Washington attempts an average of 18.0 three pointers per game and George Mason attempts 18.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the George Washington Colonials have a 7-5 record while the George Mason Patriots have a 5-7 record.
George Mason is one of the top defensive rebounding teams, ranking 13th. George Washington ranks 98th in offensive rebounding.
George Mason makes an average of 2.9 steals per game. George Washington has a winning 21-8 record when it allows at least 2 steals.
