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| [ PHOTO: EMERALD COAST CLASSIC ] |
November 24, 2018
Peter Solari, Editor in Chiefs Follow @4PeteSakeNY
George Mason's two-game win streak came to an end Friday as the Patriots fell to Cincinnati 71-55 in the semifinals of the Emerald Coast Classic in Niceville, FL.
While Mason hung tough throughout the first half, getting to within 5 points of the Bearcats with five minutes left in the frame, the Patriots were playing catch-up most of the night and it was simply too much for them to overcome. Cincinnati widened their lead to 9 at the break, before blowing it open in the second half.
The Bearcats held the Patriots to just two field goals over the first eight-plus minutes of the second stanza, and increased their lead to 21 points with 10 minutes left in the game. Mason tried to mount a comeback, using a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 11, but they wouldn't get any closer, ultimately losing by 16.
Javon Greene led the way for Mason with 11 points, while senior Otis Livingston added 9 to go along with a game-high 5 assists and 4 steals. Jaire Grayer scored 8.
Cane Broome came off the bench to lead the way for Cincinnati with a game high 21 points, while Tre Scott pitched in 14 and Jarron Cumberland and Rashawn Fredericks each added 11 to round out a balanced attack. The bigger Bearcats soundly out-rebounded the Patriots 33-20.
Despite the score, the Mason did some good that they can hang their hats on, including shooting 70% from the field over the final 12 minutes of the game. Perhaps equally as impressive to that was their ability to clamp down on defense when their shots weren't falling. The Patriots opened the second half 1-for-13 from the field, but surrendered only 10 points over that span, which allowed them to stay in the game.
Regardless of the bright spots, Mason's inability to put it all together for a full 40 minutes, continues to be their Achilles heel.
"We played hard, but our guys have to learn how to play hard but also be able to perform," head coach Dave Paulsen said. "In a lot of stretches we did good things defensively. We just had some difficulty finishing over their size on offense. They're a very good team."
After three promising seasons in Fairfax, expectations were high that Paulsen and his Patriots would take the next step in the program's rebuild, but with each passing game, it's becoming clear that this team probably isn't as good as we thought. And as the season continues to slip away, it's impossible not to wonder how thin Mason Nation's patience is wearing, and if the seat in Paulsen's office is getting a little hotter with each loss.
Should've, could've, would've.
Mason returns to action on Saturday at 3 PM, when they'll meet Baylor in the third place game of the Emerald Coast Classic.
George Mason's two-game win streak came to an end Friday as the Patriots fell to Cincinnati 71-55 in the semifinals of the Emerald Coast Classic in Niceville, FL.
While Mason hung tough throughout the first half, getting to within 5 points of the Bearcats with five minutes left in the frame, the Patriots were playing catch-up most of the night and it was simply too much for them to overcome. Cincinnati widened their lead to 9 at the break, before blowing it open in the second half.
The Bearcats held the Patriots to just two field goals over the first eight-plus minutes of the second stanza, and increased their lead to 21 points with 10 minutes left in the game. Mason tried to mount a comeback, using a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 11, but they wouldn't get any closer, ultimately losing by 16.
Javon Greene led the way for Mason with 11 points, while senior Otis Livingston added 9 to go along with a game-high 5 assists and 4 steals. Jaire Grayer scored 8.
Cane Broome came off the bench to lead the way for Cincinnati with a game high 21 points, while Tre Scott pitched in 14 and Jarron Cumberland and Rashawn Fredericks each added 11 to round out a balanced attack. The bigger Bearcats soundly out-rebounded the Patriots 33-20.
Despite the score, the Mason did some good that they can hang their hats on, including shooting 70% from the field over the final 12 minutes of the game. Perhaps equally as impressive to that was their ability to clamp down on defense when their shots weren't falling. The Patriots opened the second half 1-for-13 from the field, but surrendered only 10 points over that span, which allowed them to stay in the game.
Regardless of the bright spots, Mason's inability to put it all together for a full 40 minutes, continues to be their Achilles heel.
"We played hard, but our guys have to learn how to play hard but also be able to perform," head coach Dave Paulsen said. "In a lot of stretches we did good things defensively. We just had some difficulty finishing over their size on offense. They're a very good team."
After three promising seasons in Fairfax, expectations were high that Paulsen and his Patriots would take the next step in the program's rebuild, but with each passing game, it's becoming clear that this team probably isn't as good as we thought. And as the season continues to slip away, it's impossible not to wonder how thin Mason Nation's patience is wearing, and if the seat in Paulsen's office is getting a little hotter with each loss.
George Mason falls to Cincinnati unsurprisingly 71-55 to start the Emerald Coast Classic. Despite the score, and the 2-4 record, the Patriots have had a chance to win in every game this season.— Tyler Byrum (@theTylerByrum) November 24, 2018
Should've, could've, would've.
Mason returns to action on Saturday at 3 PM, when they'll meet Baylor in the third place game of the Emerald Coast Classic.
