Game 26: GMU (17-8 / 6-6) vs #16 Dayton (21-4 / 11-2) on Wednesday, February 21, at 7:00 PM.

[mkaufman1]

I’m not optimistic about tonight or Saturday’s game against Loy Chi. I expect 0-2 but I would take 1-1 if we can get it. 1-1 would also help me feel like we have a prayer to take the auto bid in Brooklyn considering the state of the league this year.

For now, let’s defend the home court and beat a top 25 team at home which will only help create some national noise and help our NET and Kenpom. While it may not mean much to the casual observer, a better NET and Kenpom and solid finish will only setup the program for better opportunities in scheduling going forward. Sounds like fun to me. Go Mason!

 

[Verdad]

As of 11:45am on 2/21/24, I see reason for optimism - largely based on the bench contributions we are now getting from Ball and Wood, Newton returning to form slightly (let's be real, he never was a 60% 3 pt shooter, but now he looks like he can hit one or two off the bench a game).

I felt like the team was deeper at the beginning of the year - largely relying on Okojie, Henry and Newton as bench contributors; then the rotation seemed to get really short as we struggled up and down in conference play, and now it may be settling where it should be.

Let's win out and steal vcu's top 4 spot (they still have games vs SJ, Dayton and Richmond).

Check in with me around 9:01pm though.

 

[Patriot Lawdog]

If I were a neutral observer with only a monetary interest in this game, I might raise an eyebrow at Dayton only having to cover 2.5. That line smells of everyone running to the window to bet Dayton. Makes me cautiously optimistic.

 

[DRK331]

This is the biggest game of the season

 

[MASONscott]

Hope we start Baraka tonight, need that energy and pace from the start! Lets beat Dayton!

Doesn't matter if he starts or not. He has been getting close to 30 minutes a game since mid-January, which easily qualifies for starter's minutes.

 

[dr. gunnie]

I got my post game celebration beverage on ice. I look forward to cracking it open tonight. Big W coming.

 

[MasonFanatic]

Let's order up a win for delivery to EBA tonight.

(h/t @gmubrian for the idea)

 

[p8triotfan4life]

I got my post game celebration beverage on ice. I look forward to cracking it open tonight. Big W coming.

I'm rushing the court, and I'll pay the fine.

 

[jruby]

Actually UConn won the National Championship in 2014 as a member of the AAC.

Ok fair enough you have a point. What an odd thing that was...

 

[jruby]

Feeling the win tonight! Boys will come out hungry and knock down some shots!

 

[thebiasedannouncer]

Negatives for tonight:
1: Dayton has Nate Santos and Kobe Brea- two of the bets three point shooters this year in all of CBB. We do not defend the three well
2: Dayton has DaRon Holmes- that is all that needs to be said
3: DaRon Holmes is very adept at drawing fouls and if that becomes a problem...

Positives for tonight:
1: Dayton does not rebound the ball well on either side of the ball. That is good news for us.
2: Lack of rotation/size in the guard spots gives us an advantage on paper... hopefully we can translate that on to the court, particularly the defensive side of the ball
3: Bar a relatively dominating win over Joe's, they have had periods of struggle in their last five games where they have looked very human and they have started poorly in recent games. If we are to win, we need to take advantage of that.

 

[GMU1983]

How are ticket sales going if anyone knows?

 

[NewPatriot]

Mason won several games vs Dayton. Both at home and even at Dayton last year.

This will be no different

 

[Patriot Lawdog]

Line up to 3.5....Late, dumb money coming in on Dayton. Really hoping my neutral gambling instincts are right here. Smart early money on Mason keeps the line down and the rubes fall for the trap late.

 

[NewPatriot]

Line up to 3.5....Late, dumb money coming in on Dayton. Really hoping my neutral gambling instincts are right here. Smart early money on Mason keeps the line down and the rubes fall for the trap late.

Lawdog!! I just caught your handle's reference!!
Lol

View: https://youtu.be/BQDr0u80G14?feature=shared

 

[DRK331]

NBA Charotte Hornet's Kevin Grevey here at EBA doing some scouting

 

[DRK331]

A Wizards scout is here also

 

[GMUYoda]

Nice to get offensive boards... but need to make them

 

[jessej]

10-9 Dayton at first TO
Maddox in for Polite
And the parking lot is a crowded mess

 

[GMUYoda]

20-17 Dayton at the 7 min TV timeout. Santos of Dayton and Kelly of Mason each have 2 fouls