Don’t expect a high-scoring game when the George Mason Patriots (8-15) head to Rhode Island to take on the Rams (13-10). The game begins at 7:00 pm ET on Tuesday, Feb. 9.
The Rams were victorious over La Salle 79-62 on Saturday. Jarvis Garrett was the game’s high scorer with 26 points on 11-for-19 shooting. The Patriots are coming off an ugly 98-64 loss at the hands of Dayton on Saturday. Otis Livingston II had a good shooting night, leading the team with 21 points.
Jared Terrell has really been playing well recently for the Rams, averaging 21.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.2 three-pointers over the last five games.
Half-court execution will be at a premium as Rhode Island ranks 331st in the nation in possessions per game (65.3 possessions per game), while George Mason is 301st (66.8).
The Rams enter the game with records of 13-10 Straight Up (SU) and 8-13 Against The Spread (ATS). Teams routinely struggle to score points against the Rams, who allow only 64.0 points per game. The Rams prevent teams from making three-pointers, ranking third in the nation with 111 total three-pointers allowed (4.0 per game). Opponents have consistently had their shots rejected by the Rams, ranking 34th in the country in blocks per game with 5.0.
Over on the other bench, the Patriots have records of 9-10 ATS and 8-14 SU. George Mason is one of the better rebounding teams in Division I. The Patriots average 41.2 rebounds per game, making them the 19th-best team in the country for that category. The George Mason defense has allowed an average of 63.7 points per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 71.7.
Rhode Island and George Mason will be facing off in their first head-to-head clash of the season. When they last met the Rams were winners, but the win was not enough for them to overtake George Mason in their recent head-to-head series. Their record is now 2-3 SU over the last few meetings. However, with a 4-1 record, Rhode Island has the advantage ATS. Neither team held the edge in field goals, rebounds, or three-pointers in a single game during this span.
Predictions: SU Winner – URI, ATS Winner – URI
Notes
George Mason scores an average of just 66.0 points per game (ranked 235th). Rhode Island ranks 22nd in points allowed, giving up 64.0 points per game.
In its last game, George Mason lost by a margin of 34 points. Rhode Island is 5-1 in games decided by a margin of 18 points or more. George Mason has a 2-5 record in blowouts.
The George Mason Patriots average 66.8 possessions per game and .989 points per possession. The Rhode Island Rams earn fewer possessions with 65.3, but they score more points with 1.071.
George Mason has an average effective field goal percentage of 46.0%. Rhode Island is an even 6-6 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Rams have a solid 6-3 record while the George Mason Patriots have a 4-6 record.
The George Mason Patriots average 41.2 rebounds per game and are ranked 19th. The Rhode Island Rams average 35.4 rebounds per game, ranked 232nd.
The George Mason Patriots rank 74th in offensive rebounds. The Rhode Island Rams rank 282nd in the nation in defensive rebounds.
George Mason has forced an average turnover percentage of 11.0% this season. Rhode Island is an even 10-10 when its TO% is 11.0% or higher.
