Long Suffering Fan wrote:

It all starts with the defense.  

Only six turnovers to Mason's 13 and outscored Mason off turnovers 20-5 
 

So the question now is did we win in spite of the players who sat or because of it?

Post Game Press Conference

J.C. extension?-kidding.Nice win.

Halftime adjustments need more work....only said this too many times this season.

Great Effort by the kids.  They could have thrown in the towel soooo many times, missing 3 starters, short on depth, but they fought back and the happiness, dancing, and celebration on the court was great to see for a team that has lost too many by too much.  Truly a team win, despite 2 guys scoring so many of the team's points.
  

Quite a nice victory today and a real credit to all for playing hard down the stretch.  The defense was incredibly soft throughout much of the game (playing without Ricky should have led to buckling down even harder on defense) but what an unanticipated stretch of defense to end the game.  Loved having Amir on the court down the stretch.  Perhaps he set the tone defensively for everyone else.  Lots to be overly concerned about if I was inclined, but not after a much needed win.  Everyone should truly enjoy this one.  

Effort was there from those on the floor.  And assists. This team is better than the record. Effort was lacking and little team play led to many losses. But this team came back being down by over 10 points.  Can all the players get on the same page? We will see.

Five additional thoughts:

1) 50% shooting, perfect at the line, 23 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 0 turnovers.  Interesting that this may have been James Bishop's best overall game as a Colonial and he wasn't even the team's leader in points or shot attempts.

2) 29 minutes for Amir Harris.  Obviously out of necessity but it does beg the question as to whether Amir has been medically able to give this team more minutes earlier in the season.  Or, has his health improved over the past few weeks?  No matter the case, Amir is a stabilizing force.  He really is the swiss army knife of this team who not only does it all but who always plays under control.

3) Samuels with two baskets...the team's first and the team's second to last I believe (giving the team their first second half lead since around the 16 minute mark).  Impeccable timing.

4) Underrated key of the game was getting Malik Henry in foul trouble.  We had zero answers for him but he was limited to 19 minutes due to fouls.  Oduro not playing was also a big break (as were our absences a big break for Mason).

5) The added bonus of this victory, beyond the fact that it was so unexpected with say 5 minutes left,  is that the team did it without Lindo, Adams and Brown.  Certainly will hope this is a real confidence booster.

Last edited by Gwmayhem (1/18/2022 11:31 am)

Several notes and observations:

1. Perhaps the chemistry issues on offense were related to having 4 guys who all want the ball surrounded by a 5 who doesn't score. Maybe we can have 3 out there together but not 4. Sometimes there is addition through subtraction. We will see if this is an answer moving forward and if it is, it means that minutes will be cut for some.

2. Agree with FQ that Bamisile's block followed by dunk may have been one of the best plays ever at Smith Center.

3. There were limited fans allowed. You either had to be a parent, spouse (coach), invited via limited passes, administrator or one of the 40 tickets George Mason received. My understanding is that the only fans in the blue seats opposite with benches were some athletes (might have been women's team) and a few parents who have seats over there. Now, you all know what I feel about the COVID policy on ticketed fans but at least we should try to be accurate as to who attended.

4. The same sideline out of bounds play (Bamisile layup) was run by JC to beat Dave Paulsen and Mason when he was at the Mount. Ironic.

5. Not sure if this team has turned a corner yet. It's only one game. But it beats the alternative for sure. However, one thing is for sure, we have to find a way to rebound better. A lot of you focus way too much on the X's and O's which in my opinion is misguided. Focus on our ability to rebound, guard and make shots. The coaches have put the kids in the right positions but we have to execute better. When we do those things, well the X's and O's sure look a hell of a lot better. Again, most people who have coached basketball understand that the X's and O's are often highly overrated and you need guys who can make plays on both ends. Many offensive sets can be broken down easily because they are scouted. So who can make a play when things are off schedule (as they say in football)? So far this season, we haven't had enough plays being made. Yesterday, we hopefully began to change that.  

6. Think the three players missing from lineup are day-to-day so not sure what their status is for tomorrow.. Might not yet have been determined.

Last edited by GWRising (1/18/2022 11:35 am)

To use my best hockey coach language Adams is day to day with an upper body injury. Don't think it's too serious but more of a nuisance.