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| [ PHOTO: GEORGE MASON PATRIOTS ATHLETICS ] |
Peter Solari, Editor in Chief Follow @4PeteSakeNY
It's only been nine games, but there appears to be a theme developing before our eyes when it comes the 2018-19 George Mason men's basketball team.
It was another nail-biting, back-and-forth affair Saturday at Kaplan Arena in Williamsburg, VA, where the Patriots ultimately prevailed 87-84 over former Colonial Athletic Association rival, William and Mary, to earn their second consecutive victory.
Mason's record now stands at 4-5 on the season, while the Tribe fell to 2-6. Here's more from the Associated Press:
Otis Livingston's early-season slump appears to be a thing of the past, as the senior's 18 points and 10 assists led the Patriots in both categories. His resurgence is crucial if Mason hopes to live up to the hype that surrounded them entering the season.
At this point, the Patriots need to rack-up as many non-conference wins as they can, and more importantly, continue developing into a complete team before their league schedule opens early next year.
If Mason plans on making any noise this season, they're going to have to do it in the Atlantic 10, and at the conference tournament in March. Mason's non-conference resume isn't anywhere close to that of an NCAA Tournament "at-large" team, and realistically, their only shot at making the field-of-68, is being the A-10's automatic qualifier. If that is going to happen, it's going to have to start soon, so Livingston's really couldn't have picked a better time to break out of his slump. The Patriots are only going to go as far as their senior leader takes them.
It sounds like a monumental task, especially for a team like George Mason, who have been less than impressive so far. But this isn't the first time Mason Nation has been "living on prayer," so they can certainly hang their hats on that.
On a side note, senior Jaire Grayer missed his second consecutive game for the Patriots, with a foot injury.
It's only been nine games, but there appears to be a theme developing before our eyes when it comes the 2018-19 George Mason men's basketball team.
It was another nail-biting, back-and-forth affair Saturday at Kaplan Arena in Williamsburg, VA, where the Patriots ultimately prevailed 87-84 over former Colonial Athletic Association rival, William and Mary, to earn their second consecutive victory.
George Mason Wins!! vs. William & Mary - Game Summary - December 1, 2018 - ESPN - via @ESPN App https://t.co/2xp2vyEWLV— Michael W. Nickens (@DocNix12) December 1, 2018
Mason's record now stands at 4-5 on the season, while the Tribe fell to 2-6. Here's more from the Associated Press:
William & Mary was up 42-36 at the break and led 49-41 early in the second half before the Patriots rallied to take a 53-52 lead when Justin Kier drilled a 3-point jumper. Chase Audige responded with a 3 as William & Mary grabbed the lead again and held it until Goanar Mar nailed a trey for a 67-64 lead at the midway point. The Patriots held on to the lead from then on but could never shake the Tribe.
Livingston, who had 10 points in the first half, finished with 18 while dishing out a career-high 10 assists. Kier and Greene added 15 points apiece with Jarred Reuter contributing 11 for George Mason (4-5).
Nathan Knight had 22 points for William & Mary (2-6).
Otis Livingston's early-season slump appears to be a thing of the past, as the senior's 18 points and 10 assists led the Patriots in both categories. His resurgence is crucial if Mason hopes to live up to the hype that surrounded them entering the season.
At this point, the Patriots need to rack-up as many non-conference wins as they can, and more importantly, continue developing into a complete team before their league schedule opens early next year.
If Mason plans on making any noise this season, they're going to have to do it in the Atlantic 10, and at the conference tournament in March. Mason's non-conference resume isn't anywhere close to that of an NCAA Tournament "at-large" team, and realistically, their only shot at making the field-of-68, is being the A-10's automatic qualifier. If that is going to happen, it's going to have to start soon, so Livingston's really couldn't have picked a better time to break out of his slump. The Patriots are only going to go as far as their senior leader takes them.
It sounds like a monumental task, especially for a team like George Mason, who have been less than impressive so far. But this isn't the first time Mason Nation has been "living on prayer," so they can certainly hang their hats on that.
On a side note, senior Jaire Grayer missed his second consecutive game for the Patriots, with a foot injury.
George Mason will be without Jaire Grayer today against William + Mary, per team spokesman. Senior is missing his second consecutive game with a foot injury.— Petey Buckets (@peteybuckets) December 1, 2018
