George Mason radiated so much confidence Thursday that even 6-foot-7 forward Will Thomas, normally an anchored fixture in the low post, was seen self-assuredly dribbling the ball up court after defensive rebounds twice in the first half.
It was that kind of night for the Patriots (6-1, 1-0 Colonial AthleticAssociation), who kept pace with the best start in program history by thoroughly embarrassing Drexel (5-2, 0-1), 85-38, in both teams’ conference opener in front of 7,121 at Patriot Center.
“I’m not easily impressed,” said Patriots head coach Jim Larranaga. “But the kind of basketball we played tonight against a very fine Drexel team was really sensational.”
The 47-point victory was George Mason’s biggest ever in conference play and biggest home win since a 106-55 thrashing of Howard on Dec. 1, 1998. The Patriots last started 6-1 during the 1983-84 season.
Different players scored each of the Patriots’ first seven baskets, and 10 of 11 dressed players had at least five points, let by Dre Smith (16 points), Folarin Campbell (11 points), Thomas (10 points, eight rebounds) and Chris Fleming (10 points). George Mason also racked up 23 assists by ten different players while turning over the ball just eight times.
With preseason All-CAA senior forward Frank Elegar held to zero points and two rebounds, the Dragons found themselves down, 40-15, by halftime.
“We were never in it,” said Drexel head coach Bruiser Flint. “They smelled blood, and when you don’t come ready like that, good teams are going to do what they did. They destroy you.”
