George Washington University
George Mason
Men’s Basketball Takes on George Mason Saturday
1/25/2019 12:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
The Colonials and Patriots are set for a 7 p.m. tip in Fairfax, Virginia
TIPPING OFF: For the third consecutive game, the GW men's basketball team will face a stiff test against one of the top teams in the Atlantic 10 as it takes on the first-place George Mason Patriots Saturday evening in Fairfax, Virginia. Tip is set for 7 p.m. with MASN2 carrying the regional broadcast.
LAST TIME OUT: On Wednesday night at Davidson, the Colonials kept within a possession or two for much of the game before the Wildcats created separation late to come away with a 73-62 win at Belk Arena, improving their home record to 10-0 this season. The Colonials, who have struggled from the free throw line this season, stayed in it thanks to a 14-of-18 (.778) showing at the charity stripe, but were done in by 15 turnovers that led to a 17-4 deficit in points off turnovers and a balanced Davidson attack that saw all five starters score in double figures. Justin Mazzulla and DJ Williams led the Colonials in the scoring column with 15 points apiece, and Terry Nolan Jr. recorded his fourth double-figure rebounding game in A-10 play with 10 boards.
TOUGH STRETCH: GW is in the midst of perhaps its most difficult stretch of the conference season, going against one of the league's top teams for the third consecutive game. Prior to falling to Davidson (5-1 league mark), the Colonials fell at home in heartbreaking fashion on Homecoming to Duquesne (5-1) in overtime. The Patriots come in atop the standings at 6-1, giving the three opponents a combined league record of 16-3.
SERIES HISTORY: GW won the first nine meetings since the Patriots joined the Atlantic 10 before George Mason picked up a 72-65 win at EagleBank Arena last season to split the season series. The Colonials hold a 19-3 advantage all-time including a 5-3 mark on the road.
ROAD TESTED: The Colonials have picked up both of their league wins in comeback fashion on the road, overcoming double-digit deficits twice in the City of Brotherly Love. At Saint Joseph's, GW trailed by as many as 12 in the first half and faced a 32-25 halftime deficit before controlling the final 20 minutes. With the score tied 52-52, the Colonials closed on an 18-4 run to win going away as Terry Nolan Jr. double-doubled with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Last Wednesday at La Salle, GW trailed 23-14 at halftime after shooting just 16 percent, but responded by scoring 45 points on 68 percent shooting in the second stanza to steal a 59-56 victory.
FILLING THE VOID: Since starting forward and junior tri-captain Arnaldo Toro was lost for the season due to a hip injury, the Colonials have seen the majority of production come from the guard position. In a span of 12 games, guards have accounted for 84 percent of scoring and led the team in rebounding 10 times. Nolan (5.3 rpg) and Williams (4.9 rpg) have provided the biggest boost on the glass, with Nolan recording four double-figure rebounding games in conference play. GW has also utilized a four-guard lineup in 18 of 19 games.
SOPHOMORE FOUR: GW's sophomore class continues to grow as the backbone of the team, with all four members in the starting lineup for the last 11 games. Nolan is second on the team in scoring (11.8 ppg) and was named Co-Atlantic 10 Player of the Week honors for the first time in his career on the heels of a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double at Saint Joseph's (1/6). Langarica, a starter for the first time in his career, had 19 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks vs. Duquesne (1/20) for his second career double-double. Jack is averaging a team-best 12.8 ppg over the last 10. Mazzulla has scored in double figures nine of the last 10.
