Game Basics:
Time: 4:00 pm ET
Location: Eaglebank Arena, Fairfax, VA
Video: ESPN+
Audio: Playfly Sports
The Opponent:
George Mason Patriots (1-1)
Last year: 14-16
Rank: 97 kenpom/97 torvik
The Patriots have started off the season as you would expect, losing to Auburn and beating Longwood. While their defense has been consistent, holding each opponent to about 1 point/possession, their offense made the difference in each game. Against Auburn, they turned the ball over on 27% of their possessions, while they got most any shot they wanted against Longwood. Josh Oduro in particular did work, as he went 6-7 from the floor (including 1-1 from three) and 7-11 from the line.
Oduro is rolling early for the Patriots, and American would benefit from having Jermaine Ballisager Webb active and healthy for this game. While it’s early in the season, Oduro has an ORating of 114.8 (100 is average) with 26.5% usage. AU is going to need some size to slow him down. He’s also a fantastic rebounder – that’s been true his entire career – so whichever Eagle draws this match-up will need to box out well whenever a shot goes up.
Senior wing Davonte Gaines has struggled a bit to start the year. While this site predicted he’s be their main scoring option, he has more turnovers (4) than two-point attempts (3) so far this season. The same could be said for fellow senior Victor Bailey, Jr. He’s turning the ball over nearly a quarter of the time.
Devon Cooper has been off on his long ball so far, but American can’t count on that lasting. He shot over 40% last year on nearly 200 attempts. This is a perimeter player than the Eagles can’t afford to sag off of.
PG Ronald Polite III is distributing the ball well early. If any of the above options get going, expect Polite to continue feeding them the ball.
Overall, American is going to need to stay home on defense and continue their good rebounding performance against Marist if they’re going to have a chance in this one. Having Ballisager Webb healthy would also be a big plus.
Predicted score: George Mason 77 – American 64