GW Proves A Class Above Limited Mason
Ron Bailey, Publisher
Pressure by GW does George Mason in.
December 4, 2009 - Wednesday, George Washington held serve in several ways with a 66-49 thumping of local rival, George Mason; not only did the DC school represent for the Atlantic 10, but not holds bragging rights for the next year. The 4,125 raucous fans in attendance, specifically those supporting the homestanding Colonials were rewarded for braving the cold, wet night.
Damian Hollis was aggresive from the start.
Leading by nine at intermission, GW went on a 22-3 run to start the second half, effectively eliminating Mason, who traveled from Fairfax, VA, from contention. To be fair, the Patriots were short-handed, as sophomores Ryan Pearson and Andre Cornelius served a one game suspension for violating team rules. The latter's presence specifically was sorely missed, given his team leading 19.7 points a game and ability to handle the ball under pressure, something GW battered Mason with throughout.
Senior Damian Hollis led all scorers with a career high tying 25 points, output that seemingly has the player many deemed GW's preseason MVP on track (he came in averaging 10.6 points per game). Hollis also tallied eight rebounds, around 2.5 above his average. Freshman Lasan Kromah supplied eight points and four caroms.
Mason's Luke Hancock, a first year player, dropped 15 points and three boards. For the season Hancock has contributed 10.5 points a game.
Cam Long was subjected to defensive pressure all night long.
The Colonial's leading scorer, junior Cam Long produced just seven points, a stat when added to his five turnovers evidences GW's relentless pressure; Long, as well as his teammates faced multiple defenders, defensive traps and deployments. Case in point is Hancock's four giveaways, as he functioned as another primary ball handler.
Interested in hearing the coaches, Karl Hobbs and Jim Larranaga of GW and Mason respectively, in their post game interview sessions? Click here for Larranaga and here for Hobbs (Hollis accompanied Hobbs).
George Mason (3-4) travels to Colonial Athletic Associating foe UNC-Wilmington Saturday, while George Washington (5-1) will compete against Navy in the BB&T Classic Sunday.