Game 5: University of Virginia (Charleston Classic), Sunday, November 22nd, 9:30 PM, ESPN2

[GMU92]

Anyone wanna take bets on whether the game announcers know anything about Mason's relationship with UVA? I'd guess there's a 2% chance someone does their homework...

It was a minor miracle that the announcers got Marko's name right last game. Odds are probably low that they'll point out that we were part of the same institution from 1957 to 1972.

 

[G M U]

Sorry. Reality check

UVA 72

GMU 51

 

[GSII]

WE will not lose by 21.

 

[Haxormax]

we win by a baker's dozen

if not:

 

[gmujim92]

This is an ideal situation for our guys.

They've already had as successful a trip as anyone could've imagined. They've proven to themselves that they can beat high-level teams.

There is zero pressure tonight and all upside. They can go out and leave it all on the floor, knowing they literally have nothing to lose.

Teams are dangerous in such conditions. It's going to take a really good performance but I see no reason why we cannot win.

 

[GiantKiller_Co]

I know the chances of winning are slim since Benny boy isn't gonna lose to another A-10 school, but at the same time our guys are hungry for more Ws. Win or lose Im happy the team has made it this far considering ESPN predicted Ole Miss vs UVA in the final game back in August lol

 

[Washingtonian]

Sportsbook has us at a 20 point underdog.


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[ephoops]

A significant challenge will be how Thompson handles the double team in the post. UVA almost always doubles when the ball goes in the low post.

Also, DP's relationship to the Bennett family is as follows: The year after DP won the National Championship at Williams, he returned to the National Championship game the following year and lost 84-82 to Wisconsin-Stevens Point. That team was coached by Jack Bennett, Tony Bennett's uncle. Dick Bennett, Tony's father, also coached at Wisconsin-Stevens Point in the late 70's and early 80's. Also, DP was born and raised in Wisconsin.

 

[gmutom]

Sportsbook has us at a 20 point underdog.

Yeah, I just saw that. Pretty disappointing that it's that high. Sadly, the only victory I see tonight is the moral variety, but that's still not a bad thing. Like we've discussed, these tournaments are about gaining experience, developing chemistry and learning new offensive/defensive systems. And we've accomplished that in spades.

Getting humiliated on national TV could have an adverse affect on a young team, but I think Paulsen and his coaches will remind these kids that this was a positive week regardless of tonight's outcome.

 

[Washingtonian]

I do not see us losing by 20. Vegas Insider has us as a 18 point underdog, 125 over/under.

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[GMUgemini]

I'm not too concerned about the final score, just play hard and with purpose and whatever happens, happens.

I would like to see some inklings that Jenkins and maybe Murrell too are starting to dial in. We are going to need more than a 6 man rotation as the season wears on.

 

[Vurbel]

Getting humiliated on national TV could have an adverse affect on a young team, but I think Paulsen and his coaches will remind these kids that this was a positive week regardless of tonight's outcome.

I doubt we'll be humiliated. We are playing with house money - nobody expected us to be there. Besides, it's a 9:30 game on a Sunday night. Only die hards and people who don't have to get up Monday morning will be watching. It's not like it's a 7:00 game on a Tuesday.

 

[Washingtonian]

Isn't Jenkins due for a big game? Maybe tonight is it.


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[gmu2006]

Isn't Jenkins due for a big game? Maybe tonight is it.


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I'll take a 75-foot 3 pointer for the win against UVA.

 

[Herndon]

I think UVa probably smokes us, but whatever. House money, as @Vurbel said.

The team gets confidence out of the trip, and the opportunity to see what a REALLY top notch program feels like to play against. Nothing but good for the guys.

 

[JimP]

Trips already been a big success. GMU loses, but by no where close to 20.

The improved play and experience gained leads to a long winning streak against non-conference foes.

 

[disgruntled]

No reason to think this team won't show well. They have done a good job in the tournament so far and, as several have pointed out, are playing with house money. Paulsen needs to come up with the equivalent of the Connecticut Assassins Association.

 

[gmutom]

Besides, it's a 9:30 game on a Sunday night. Only die hards and people who don't have to get up Monday morning will be watching.

A lot of people like me will be watching The Walking Dead to see if Glenn is alive or dead. I'll be recording our game and will start watching at 10pm.

Go, Mason and Glenn!!!

 

[GMUYoda]

If Mason can again take the lead into halftime like they have the first four games of the season, then it will be a win in my book no matter what happens after. If it does happen though, Mason cannot allow UVA to go on a run to start the half and then end up having to play catch-up the rest of the way.

I see a close game... but we lose by around 10 pts... which is fine by me

 

[GMUgemini]

A lot of people like me will be watching The Walking Dead to see if Glenn is alive or dead. I'll be recording our game and will start watching at 10pm.

Go, Mason and Glenn!!!

Why wouldn't you be doing it the other way?