Guard thrives in starting lineup even after Cornelius’ return The George Mason player who figured to be most impacted by senior point guard Andre Cornelius’ return from a 10-game suspension was his sophomore replacement, Bryon Allen.
But if anything, Allen has solidified his place in the starting lineup since Cornelius returned a month ago, becoming the most reliable backcourt player for George Mason coach Paul Hewitt.
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On Monday night, Allen scored a career-high 17 points, hitting seven of 10 shots and playing a major role in George Mason’s 67-61 victory over UNC Wilmington. When George Mason (16-5, 8-1) travels to Hofstra (7-14, 1-8) on Wednesday, the Patriots will do it with increased confidence in Allen.
“He’s taken over the role great,” forward Ryan Pearson said. “I just want him to continue leading us as our point guard and our floor general.”
Allen has come a long way from a shaky freshman season, which he began in the rotation but played his way out. This year Allen assumed the point guard job by default and had some early struggles.
In disappointing losses to Duquesne, Florida International and Florida Atlantic, Allen had a combined 16 turnovers. In another defeat at Virginia, Allen failed to score and had just one assist in 29 minutes.
“In the beginning, I feel like I was rushing a lot. I was just too anxious,” Allen said. “Coaches told me to calm down, relax. You’re our point guard.”
The proof of Allen’s development is in the numbers. In the first 10 games with Cornelius sidelined, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Allen averaged 7.3 points and 3.5 assists and shot 41 percent in 29.8 minutes. In the last 11 games with Cornelius back, Allen is averaging three fewer minutes but is scoring at a higher rate (9.4 ppg) with 3.5 assists and is shooting 51 percent.
“When I saw the tape of them last week, I asked my assistant coach, ‘Who is this?’?” UNC Wilmington coach Buzz Peterson said. “I like his size. He goes to the goal strong. He’s under control. He runs the team.”
