Game 25: GMU (16-8 / 5-6) vs GW (14-9 / 3-7) on Tuesday, February 13, at 7:00 PM.

[Where's the party?]

Most fun I've had at a game in years. Thank you, Coach Tony Skinn for putting this team together and giving we long suffering Mason fans something to look forward to. I am hoping we have a long run in the tournament, but even if we don't, I'm calling this season a success, and I'm thrilled we have a Mason Alum as our coach and he's brought that Mason, "How do you like me now?" (RIP Toby Keith) swagger back.

 

[GSII]

Maddox being out may actually end up being a blessing in disguise because Austin Ball and Tre Wood are seeing more minutes and have taken advantage of them! Depth will help as we close out the season and enter the tourney.

And help us IN the Tourney.

 

[GSII]

Also, I complained in the Loyla thread about getting shooters open and having plays ran such as an elevator set. Not sure if anyone noticed but there was more plays ran tonight including an Elevator for Austin Ball at the 4:47 mark of the 1st half. He got an open look but missed.

 

[mkaufman1]

Also, I complained in the Loyla thread about getting shooters open and having plays ran such as an elevator set. Not sure if anyone noticed but there was more plays ran tonight including an Elevator for Austin Ball at the 4:47 mark of the 1st half. He got an open look but missed.

Agreed, We ran a lot of solid sets tonight offensively. We also had Wood or Okojie play point 90 percent of the time which was great And probably helped.

Ball was awesome tonight. I love how he gets into the paint and creates for himself.

 

[TweederGMU]

This has to be the best shooting percentage game for us all season. Well, maybe at least in the A10 but possibly all season. Buckets falling all day and night.

That's how we should be shooting all season.

 

[psyclone]

Post game press conference:

Men's basketball post game press conference vs. George Washington, 2/13/24 | By George Mason Athletics | Facebook

Men's basketball post game press conference vs. George Washington, 2/13/24

www.facebook.com

 

[Earl the Squirrel]

Post game press conference:

Men's basketball post game press conference vs. George Washington, 2/13/24 | By George Mason Athletics | Facebook

Men's basketball post game press conference vs. George Washington, 2/13/24

www.facebook.com

Billups is shooting over 40% from deep over the last 4-5 games. Okojie has taken on a larger role and is thriving. Same thing with Tre Wood. We're faster with Wood on the court. And of course, there is the emergence of Ball. A few games ago there was hand-wringing about the lack of contribution from the bench. Woody Newton came alive. Malik contributed. Look at what our bench put up tonight.

Kelly has the best 3 pt stroke on the team -- by a wide margin. I keep harping on the value of him taking 3-5 pulls a game from deep. We need this.

As enthusiastic as we are all about the drubbing, GW is not Dayton, vcu, Richmond, or SJU.

I say we've turned a corner, even with Darius sidelined, but let's wait and see if the same team and effort shows up next game. I'm hopeful.

 

[GMUgemini]

Just finished the first half: GW looked tired and slow. I don’t think they were prepared for Mason to push the floor on missed shots.

Took the foot off the gas in the second half but that’s OK. This game wasn’t really in doubt after the 16:00 mark in the first half.

 

[DRK331]

2 videos of the game, one is highlights and one is another person's wrap up of the game

2 videos of the game, one is highlights and one is another person's wrap up of the game

Both videos are definitely a must watch

 

[Patriotsince81]

GW Hoops » GW vs George Mason Game

gwhoops.boardhost.com

 

[99 Patriot]

Man, I need to express my hatred for teams more often. Haven't seen a team play against us with less energy or effort in a very long time. Add in that it's a bit of a homecoming for their coach and it makes you wonder whether the team was sending him a message by mailing it in like that. Anyone have video of his press conference?

 

[GMU79]

Agreed, We ran a lot of solid sets tonight offensively. We also had Wood or Okojie play point 90 percent of the time which was great And probably helped.

Ball was awesome tonight. I love how he gets into the paint and creates for himself.

Ball is not afraid to Ball!

 

[gmutom]

Man, I need to express my hatred for teams more often. Haven't seen a team play against us with less energy or effort in a very long time. Add in that it's a bit of a homecoming for their coach and it makes you wonder whether the team was sending him a message by mailing it in like that. Anyone have video of his press conference?

Here you go:

https://x.com/GMUGiantKiller/status/1757587074184630290?s=20

 

[psyclone]

Man, I need to express my hatred for teams more often. Haven't seen a team play against us with less energy or effort in a very long time. Add in that it's a bit of a homecoming for their coach and it makes you wonder whether the team was sending him a message by mailing it in like that. Anyone have video of his press conference?

Here you go:

https://x.com/GMUGiantKiller/status/1757587074184630290?s=20

Regardless of anything else Chris may have said in the past, after watching this, it's especially difficult to root against him, let alone express "hatred". He comes across as a very genuine guy and one that still has affection for the Mason players that were here when he was our assistant coach.

 

[GMUgemini]

Regardless of anything else Chris may have said in the past, after watching this, it's especially difficult to root against him, let alone express "hatred". He comes across as a very genuine guy and one that still has affection for the Mason players that were here when he was our assistant coach.

They are a young team with a lot of potential going forward.

I’d be nervous, though, hearing Garrett Johnson’s hip is bothering him. Hopefully it is as Caputo says but that could be a harbinger of the future.

But if he can keep the Buchannan, Edwards, Johnson, and Akingbola together I think they could be better next year even without Bishop.

 

[GSII]

Austin Baller!

Props to the student section and swim team!

 

[gmujim92]

Regardless of anything else Chris may have said in the past, after watching this, it's especially difficult to root against him, let alone express "hatred". He comes across as a very genuine guy and one that still has affection for the Mason players that were here when he was our assistant coach.

Here’s the thing: If Chris had told a reporter that Merten and TOC screwed up the handling of L’s situation and it wound up creating a lot of unnecessary upheaval in the lives of the staff and players, I’d be fine with that because it was the truth and we all know it.

For him to publicly talk shit about the university long after those clowns had moved on doesn’t sit well with me. Felt gratuitous and frankly a bit chicken-shit. Either say what you mean to say or keep it zipped.

Regardless, we got the right coach now and whatever residual saltiness Caputo harbors toward Mason is a zit on my left a** cheek. F him.

 

[jruby]

Great game! Last 12 minutes left more to be desired but alas whatever, hard to push it when you are up that much. They have to keep bringing the energy, they play 10000000% better when they push it, when they try and slow it down it just doesn't work well. Lets go 8-9 deep and go hard and push it, that doesn't mean everyone has to play 30 minutes but it does mean some other guys get 5-7 mins and not just no shows for the whole game. I think Tony is going back to what made them succesful in early parts of the season.

Maybe out of need more than desire but still it's working out as they are just better with deeper roster playing as oppose to sitting. Week off, lets come out FAST and HOT shooting and make it a game vs Dayton!

 

[mkaufman1]

Great game! Last 12 minutes left more to be desired but alas whatever, hard to push it when you are up that much. They have to keep bringing the energy, they play 10000000% better when they push it, when they try and slow it down it just doesn't work well. Lets go 8-9 deep and go hard and push it, that doesn't mean everyone has to play 30 minutes but it does mean some other guys get 5-7 mins and not just no shows for the whole game. I think Tony is going back to what made them succesful in early parts of the season.

Maybe out of need more than desire but still it's working out as they are just better with deeper roster playing as oppose to sitting. Week off, lets come out FAST and HOT shooting and make it a game vs Dayton!

Yes- definitely was better when we played fast. Hat tip to the staff for letting Wood and Baraka share point last night 90% of the time and having Ronny off the ball more. Ronny did okay when he ran point, but those two guys can make the ball and team just move faster.

Completely agree with the lets play deeper and get a few guys 5-7 minutes. No reason to not do that especially this time of year. Henry, Ball, and Wood have shown they can contribute nicely which is sorely needed.

 

[DRK331]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1757542936839967174

Pistons GM there to scout Keyshawn in-person