Game 14: AT Virginia Commonwealth University, Saturday, Jan 2nd, 5 PM, CBS Sports Network

[GMUgemini]

I'm less concerned about their full-court pressure -- both because they're using it less and because we play with two PGs most of the game -- and more interested to see if we can score against them in the half court offense.

They apply a ton of ball pressure and overplay the wings, so I wouldn't be surprised if DP has prepared to use back door cuts against them.

Speaking of preparation, not having a game in the past 10 days means our guys won't be better prepared for any A10 game than this one. Maybe the layoff helps us in the end.

High ball pressure will play into Moore's hands. I suspect they'll play us more off the ball if their coach was smart and clog the lane like every other team, force our wings to shoot over the top.

 

[Washingtonian]

14 point underdog.
135 over/under.

 

[Bricker]

14 point underdog.
135 over/under.

Line seems about right. Just gotta keep from getting rattled and hope Grayer and/or Abram are on so this thing doesn't get out of hand.

 

[psyclone]

14 point underdog.
135 over/under.

VegasInsider: now at 15
rpiforecast: 14.5

 

[By George.]

Want to chat mason basketball during the game? Join us at Red Hot and Blue in Fairfax for the game! Our wives and girlfriends will be with us, feel free to bring your loved ones! Always opportunities for free beer!

 

[psyclone]

Dick Patrick's latest piece:

http://www.gomason.com/ViewArticle....89&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=210610203&DB_OEM_ID=25200

Comment by OL at the end:

"Their next adjustment is A-10 play. The Freaky Five will get a baptism of fire at vcu with its Havoc full-court press and sold-out arena."

Livingston’s eyes lit up when the pressure-packed atmosphere was mentioned.
“Cool,” he said. “It should be a fun environment. I can’t wait. That’s going to be a great opportunity for the team to get closer together, having to band together against a common enemy.”

 

[psyclone]

Meanwhile, I'm watching Dayton @ Duquesne game with both teams playing poorly. It's halftime and Dayton is 1-17 from 3 and Duquesne shooting 17% with lots of turnovers. Dayton ahead 25-20.

 

[Leesburg Chankenstank III]

We're getting pushed around inside. I'd like to see Jenkins in for some strength down low.

 

[Patriot Lawdog]

Ugly early...Good job slowing it down and handling the press, but not executing in the half court.

 

[BandWagon18]

Where's the shooting?!?!

 

[Patriot Lawdog]

Typical vcu team that has no clue in the half court offense.

 

[polepino]

Dude! Do you see Otis with the old school short shorts!? Haha, that's awesome! What's old is new again!

 

[Leesburg Chankenstank III]

Royal with some active early minutes! 2 points 2 rebounds

 

[Vurbel]

Dude! Do you see Otis with the old school short shorts!? Awesome!

John Stockton would be proud.

 

[Patriot Lawdog]

Man, if we could make some shots. We're playing solid D.

 

[polepino]

Good idea to slow down the tempo, kind of reminds me a bit when Larranaga was here. Not exactly slow but definitely controlled.

 

[Patriot Lawdog]

vcu also gets called for absolutely nothing when at home. They could take a hatchet to our guys and it wouldn't be called. It would be nice if they enforced the freedom of movement rules.

 

[Patriot Lawdog]

Livingston got hit on the arm...on a shot...no foul. Good grief.... We're not good, but come on.

 

[BandWagon18]

Marquise breaks our drought

 

[polepino]

Ugh cant hit anything and then our turnovers, not a good combo.