Cavaliers backcourt key in 20-point victory CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — For a brief sequence on Tuesday night, George Mason freshman Corey Edwards made playing point guard look like child’s play.
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But his moment of artistry didn’t last nearly long enough as the Patriots committed 20 turnovers, had just six assists and were riddled by the backcourt of Virginia in a 68-48 loss at John Paul Jones Arena.
With senior Sammy Zeglinski (18 points, four steals), junior Jontel Evans (11 points, four assists, three steals) and sophomore Joe Harris (11 points) hitting a combined 16 of 24 shots, including five of eight 3-pointers , the veteran trio of Virginia (8-1) thoroughly outplayed the backcourt of George Mason (6-3).
“Not to take anything from UVa., but I just felt like I would love to see if we did what we’re supposed to do, as far as our turnover numbers go,” George Mason coach Paul Hewitt said. “We just kept hurting ourselves.”
On a night when Virginia’s top scorer and rebounder, senior Mike Scott (11 points, two rebounds), took only three shots, Virginia got all it needed from the perimeter.
The Cavaliers took control early with a 14-3 run to grab a 20-9 lead. Zeglinski keyed with spurt, scoring eight points in a span of three possessions, hitting 3-pointers sandwiched around a layup.
As coach at Georgia Tech, Hewitt lost his last four games against Virginia over the last three seasons. He made it obvious that he’s seen enough of Zeglinski.
“He’s like in his ninth year, something like that,” Hewitt joked. “He obviously had a big game tonight.”
To combat Zeglinski, George Mason could have used the speed and perimeter defense of senior Andre Cornelius, who returns from a 10-game suspension on Dec. 21 against Duquesne.
Sophomore Bryon Allen, the starter at the point, failed to score and had just one assist in 29 minutes. Sophomore wings Vertrail Vaughns (nine points) and Sherrod Wright (seven points) had their moments but combined for six turnovers and zero assists as they struggled against a Virginia defense that pushes teams far outside.
“We just didn’t do a good job of setting up,” Hewitt said. “When your wings are stopping at the top of the key extended or foul line extended, you’ve got problems, instead of running down to the corners.”
George Mason showed some life in the second half behind Edwards. The 5-foot-11 guard made a steal and fed freshman Erik Copes for a slam-dunk. Moments later, after another turnover, he found Mike Morrison (nine points) alone inside for a layup as George Mason cut the lead to 50-40. But that was followed by an 8-1 Virginia spurt, which included three layups.
George Mason’s top scorer, Ryan Pearson, was held to a season-low nine points, less than half his 19.8 average. The interior defense of Scott and 7-foot senior Assane Sene (five points, five rebounds, four blocks) was critical.
“I think we’ve progressed from our first couple games and have made some improvements, but know that more need to come,” Virginia coach Tony Bennett said. “But I like their spirit. I like their heart.”
