What to expect: VCU hosts GMU

Saturday night will be an emotional game on multiple levels as the VCU Rams host the GMU Patriots. The winner gets bragging rights, the #2 seed in the CAA tournament, and an RPI boost that could be the difference maker come “selection Sunday.”

February 24, 2012; 6:48 AM • by Aaron Williams

• What: VCU Rams (24-6, 14-3) host George Mason Patriots (23-8, 14-3)
• Where: Stuart C. Siegel Center
• When: Saturday, February 25th at 6pm
• Watch:ESPN2 or ESPN3
• Listen: 107.3 or Online

VCU vs. George Mason is a black-out!

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The Rundown

Senior night. Revenge. CAA Tournament seeding.

Saturday night will be an emotional game on multiple levels as the VCU Rams host the GMU Patriots. The winner gets bragging rights, the #2 seed in the CAA tournament, and an RPI boost that could be the difference maker come “selection Sunday.”

For potentially the last time ever, Bradford Burgess will suit up Saturday and play in the Siegel Center. Few Rams have had as much of an impact as Burgess at VCU. Starting every game of his career, Burgess has 103 wins, two NCAA berths, a CBI championship, and a Final 4.

On Valentine’s Day, the Rams had the Patriots beat until the final seconds when GMU made an extremely improbable run to steal the game 62-61. The Rams have a history of seeking revenge and Saturday night #20 and his young teammates will undoubtedly look to embarrass the Patriots.

Finally, any remaining hopes the Rams have for an at-large bid likely live or die with this game. Win or lose, the Rams and Patriots are on a straight path to a rematch on Sunday March 4th in the semifinals of the CAA tournament.

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.

The Ram’s front-court depth will definitely be tested against the Patriot’s much more experienced squad. Don’t be surprised if foul prone Juvonte Reddic and DJ Haley get into trouble and minutes are required of David Hinton or Jarred Guest.

When these two teams faced off last year in the CAA tournament, the guard oriented Rams got bailed out when Mike Morrison fouled out in only 20 minutes of play and Vertrail Vaughn fouled out in only 11 minutes. This season, Mike Morrison scored one point and fouled out in 23 minutes when the Patriots beat VCU. If he gets going Saturday, GMU could look like a different team than on Valentine’s Day.

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 is the key to victory.

The Star

Ryan Pearson is having a spectacular season. Picked to the CAA preseason first-team he is averaging 17.6PPG and 8.5RPG. At only 6′-6″ he is an extremely capable rebounder, and the Rams defense will definitely be tested by his versatility.

The Prediction

Ken Pomeroy favors VCU to win 69-61 with a 78% chance of victory.

GMU’s Profile

• Location: Fairfax, VA
• Conference: CAA
• All time series: VCU leads 29-18
• Last meeting: VCU lost 62-61.

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Related

• VCU loses Valentine’s Day heartbreaker on buzzer beater

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February 24, 2012 6:48 AM 0