What to expect: VCU vs. GMU; CAA Tournament edition

One year ago after being destroyed at home by the Patriots, the VCU Rams beat #25 George Mason 79-63 just one week before going on their historical Final Four run. This year, George Mason will try and get the final word as they seek revenge after being beaten 89-77 on February 25th.

March 4, 2012; 8:23 AM • by Aaron Williams

• What: #2 VCU Rams (26-6, 15-3) vs. #7 Northeastern Huskies (24-8, 15-3)
• Where: Richmond Coliseum
• When: Sunday, March 4th at 4.30pm
• Tickets: CAASports.com — multiple ticket packages available
• Watch: CAA-TV; TCN; CSN-NE; CSS; ESPN3
• Listen: ESPN 950 or online

— ∮∮∮ —

The Rundown

One year ago after being destroyed at home by the Patriots, the VCU Rams beat #25 George Mason 79-63 just one week before going on their historical Final Four run. This year, George Mason will try and get the final word as they seek revenge after being beaten 89-77 on February 25th.

Both teams have reasons to be optimistic entering Sunday afternoon’s game. GMU beat a talented GSU squad despite a lackluster performance from their best player Ryan Pearson, and VCU won on the backs of inconsistant sophomore Rob Brandenberg and role playing freshman Treveon Graham. George Mason won with rebounding and defense despite struggling with both all season while VCU saw some offensive weapons they have been desperately needing all season.

The stakes will undoubtedly be high during the sold-out semifinal between two instate rivals. Whichever team makes the plays and wins will get bragging rights through the offseason and a chance to take on #1 Drexel or #4 ODU for an automatic bid to go dancing.

The Team

In a year when good shooting has been hard to come by in the CAA, George Mason is the exception. By design George Mason leads the conference in two-point shooting percentage. George Mason’s two best players are senior forwards Ryan Pearson and Mike Morrison, and combined they take 39.5% of the Patriot’s shots while connecting on 52.9% of their attempts.

Fortunately for the Rams, Mike Morrison has struggled against VCU. In their past three match-ups, Morrison has fouled out all three times in an average of 22.3 minutes while only scoring 5.3 points per game.

While forward play is their strength, the Patriots are very turnover prone. They turn the ball over on 22% of possessions and they rank 10th in the CAA in turnover percentage. VCU’s defense will be the key to victory.

The Star

According to coaches, SID’s and the media, there is no greater star in the CAA than Ryan Pearson. On Thursday Pearson was selected as the CAA player of the year for his excellent play during his senior campaign. Ryan Pearson earned the award with senior leadership and by averaging 17.8PPG and 8.5 RPG. At only 6′-6″ he is an extremely capable rebounder, and the Rams defense will definitely be tested by his versatility and crafty scoring.

Sunday night Pearson only scored four points against the stingy defense of Georgia State, but Pearson will likely bounce back as he has had the Rams number all season. During the previous two Patriot vs. Rams match-ups, Pearson has averaged 24 points and 10 rebounds. More importantly, he has the ability to put the Patriots on his back when VCU tightens up on defense and other players are struggling. The Patriot’s chances of victory against VCU live and die with Ryan Pearson.

— ∮∮∮ —

GMU’s Profile

• Location: Fairfax, VA
• Conference: CAA
• All time series: VCU leads 30-18
• Last meeting: VCU won 89-77.

— ∮∮∮ —

Related

• Scott’s CAA Tournament bracket
• Recap: VCU vs. Northeastern
• 2012 CAA Tournament guide

March 4, 2012 8:23 AM 1