Game 23: GMU (15-7 / 4-5) vs Loyola Chicago (15-7 / 7-2) on Wednesday, February 7, at 7:00 PM.

[GSII]

Maddux should be taking any and all game winners if needed. Also needs more shots during the game.

He is a proven shot making machine.

That is all.

 

[Where's the party?]

Now that I've declared this a social season, (meaning I show up at the Gold Room and pound as many as I can before going out and cheering no matter how disappointing the Mason effort on the court is) I can post wholly unrealistic prognostications about the game.

Us - 76
Them- 75

Keyshawn drive at the buzzer.

 

[mkaufman1]

Big opportunity arises tonight.

Tony mentioned that Loy Chi shoots the 3 well and gets out in transition (believe he said they were one of the fastest in tempo too). These are two areas we will have to be ready to roll in, because they will want to play this type of pace. I would not be surprised if Baraka gets the minutes hes been averaging if its a faster pace game since that favors him. We'll need Newton to help us again tonight. I have no idea if Henry or Wood will be available.

In addition, someone mentioned to me yesterday that a year ago, Mason was 13-11 and 5-6 in the A10 before the 7 game winning streak. Yes, different coach different players. However, if there was ever a time to have this type of winning streak (or just play good basketball and let things happen the way they do) now is the time.

I'm looking forward to the final 6 weeks of the season and I'm hopeful for a strong finish and the best basketball the team has played this year.

 

[GMUgemini]

Big opportunity arises tonight.

Tony mentioned that Loy Chi shoots the 3 well and gets out in transition (believe he said they were one of the fastest in tempo too). These are two areas we will have to be ready to roll in, because they will want to play this type of pace. I would not be surprised if Baraka gets the minutes hes been averaging if its a faster pace game since that favors him. We'll need Newton to help us again tonight. I have no idea if Henry or Wood will be available.

In addition, someone mentioned to me yesterday that a year ago, Mason was 13-11 and 5-6 in the A10 before the 7 game winning streak. Yes, different coach different players. However, if there was ever a time to have this type of winning streak (or just play good basketball and let things happen the way they do) now is the time.

I'm looking forward to the final 6 weeks of the season and I'm hopeful for a strong finish and the best basketball the team has played this year.

We do have a slightly favorable back half of the season. We already played all of our toughest road games (remaining games on the road: URI, Davidson, Loyola, Fordham). And our home slate provides an opportunity to knock down a couple of teams ahead of us(Loyola, Dayton, Richmond).

Doubt we go 9-0 or 8-1 against the schedule but it is possible.

 

[mkaufman1]

We do have a slightly favorable back half of the season. We already played all of our toughest road games (remaining games on the road: URI, Davidson, Loyola, Fordham). And our home slate provides an opportunity to knock down a couple of teams ahead of us(Loyola, Dayton, Richmond).

Doubt we go 9-0 or 8-1 against the schedule but it is possible.

Yes- I will say that its nice to play some teams that are ahead of us at home. Considering Mason plays a lot better at home, I'm hopeful we can grab a few wins.

Of course, if they are going to be inconsistent, then we'll probably grab a win we shouldn't, followed by a bad loss.

 

[DRK331]

I was just at the Johnson Center on campus and there were 2 huge banners/posters in the middle of the JC advertising the upcoming Men's and Women's basketball games

 

[MasonFanatic]

We do have a slightly favorable back half of the season. We already played all of our toughest road games (remaining games on the road: URI, Davidson, Loyola, Fordham). And our home slate provides an opportunity to knock down a couple of teams ahead of us(Loyola, Dayton, Richmond).

Doubt we go 9-0 or 8-1 against the schedule but it is possible.

I've been thinking about this all day.

 

[psyclone]

We do have a slightly favorable back half of the season. We already played all of our toughest road games (remaining games on the road: URI, Davidson, Loyola, Fordham). And our home slate provides an opportunity to knock down a couple of teams ahead of us(Loyola, Dayton, Richmond).

Doubt we go 9-0 or 8-1 against the schedule but it is possible.

Kenpom:
Mason's conference strength of schedule so far--9th;
Loyola--14th

 

[jessej]

They are doubling down on Keyshawn from the set offense

11-8 Mason up at the first TV to

 

[FlPatriot]

Kelly seems confused…wonder what’s up.

 

[GMU79]

Up 10. So far so good.
Fouls will be huge in 2nd Half for both teams.

 

[jessej]

Maddox crosses half court and hits a 3
Mason up 44-36 at the half

 

[Leesburg Chankenstank III]

Kelly seems confused…wonder what’s up.

Whatever it was, seems he figured it out. 13 points and 5 boards so far

 

[GSII]

Maddux should be taking any and all game winners if needed. Also needs more shots during the game.

He is a proven shot making machine.

That is all.

And 1st half buzzer beaters.

 

[mkaufman1]

That was a solid half. Things to clean up but for the most part very solid.

Great to see Hall have a good half. Usual contributions.

Just a foul fest, but good to see we have made ours.

 

[GunstonsGhost]

Happy to see everyone playing with a chip on their soldier and aggressively getting to the basket. Very exciting first half!

 

[gmutom]

Some observations:
—Hall and Maddox came to play. Nice to see Ronnie get some early buckets.
—The refs suck. Shouldn’t take an hour to play a half due to 20 foul calls
—9 turnovers is unacceptable, especially 4 by Kelly. We’re lucky we’re not down 8.
—Valentine was ready for our 1-3-1 when Newton came in both times and ran plays for corner 3s. Tony needs to disguise defenses better.

 

[gmutom]

So painful to watch. Unforced turnovers are self inflicted wounds that are killing us. We give up the ball at ease, and they go on an 8-0 run.

 

[NewPatriot]

And the stupidity on offense continues!! Why

 

[JimP]

Dear God...

Unfortunately there are 2 halves and everything is coming much easier for Loyola this half.