Final: VCU 79 George Mason 63
VCU came into tonight’s game against first place George Mason with the goal of sending a message. The message was sent in the first 20 minutes. The Rams pressure looked like the Final Four teams as the Rams defeated the Patriots, 79-63.
VCU took control of the game in the first half when they went on a 14-3 run giving the Rams their biggest lead of the half at 11. Isaac Vann led the Rams with 9 points including 2-3 from the three point line. Michael Gilmore provided a spark coming off the bench for five points.
George Mason looked hurried and unsure as they had problems getting the ball over half-court. They turned the ball over 9 times in the first 20 minutes. The turnovers led to 11 first half points for the Rams. The bright spot for the Patriots in the first half were their two big men. Jarred Reuter and Greg Calixte combined for 15 points.
VCU started the second half on an 8-2 run but that’s when George Mason woke up. The Patriots would go on a 12-0 run cutting the lead to two at 46-44. But VCU would take the challenge on regaining control when De’Riante Jenkins would hit a three and Malik Crowfield would respond to a Calixte layup with another three.
The Rams would put the game away after a Javon Greene made basket tied the game at 52. VCU would respond with the game winning run. Gilmore would hit back to back three’s. Mike’L Simms would hit one and just like that VCU was up 61-52 and had regained control of the game.
Player of the Game: Isaac Vann
Vann would spark the Rams with an efficient 21 points. He was 6-8 (3-5 3P) from the field and 6-7 from the free throw line.
Quotables:
“The one thing about IV (Isaac Vann) he’s a momentum guy because he plays so downhill. He had a couple of tough calls but he handle it well and that’s what you’re supposed to do when you’re an upperclassmen.” – VCU Head Coach Mike Rhoades
“Our group has been phenomenal. In terms of their approach and in practice. The last game that we had like this was the Vermont game.” – George Mason Head Coach Dave Paulsen
Notes:
VCU heads on the road to George Washington and St. Bonaventure. Coming into tonight’s game Gilmore was shooting 16.7% from the 3 point line. Tonight he was 3-4 from the 3.
VCU Head Coach Mike Rhoades
George Mason Head Coach Dave Paulsen
