Board work emphasis for CAA-leading Pats
If he were still alive, former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli — who outlined three kinds of lies “lies, damned lies and statistics” — would be a George Mason basketball fan.
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In the Colonial Athletic Association, the Patriots rank in the bottom half in 15 of 19 statistical categories. But somehow, the Patriots (8-6, 3-0 CAA) are in first place, the only team undefeated in league play.
No lie.
Part of the disparity can be explained by the Patriots’ challenging non-conference schedule. Mason has had few cupcakes on which to pad its stats.
But the only way a first-place team can rank No. 11 in a 12-team league in both defensive rebounding (38.1 per game) and rebounding margin (minus 3.4 pg), is to save its best for the league and be good at closing games.
So tonight when Mason travels to Northeastern (7-7, 2-1), the Patriots will try to continue the winning trend in the CAA, and at the same time remedy its most troubling statistical area — rebounding.
For continued success in the league, sophomores Ryan Pearson (6.4 rebounds per game) and Mike Morrison (5.6 rpg) will have to do better underneath and receive more help on the boards from their teammates.
Coach Jim Larranaga told a humorous story Monday night after Mason beat Hofstra, 67-63, despite getting outrebounded 41-30. Larranaga did an impersonation of Bill Walton, quoting John Wooden.
“The first rule in rebounding is assume every shot will miss,” said Larranaga.
“We have some guys who do it better than others. It’s definitely an area that still needs work.”
Tonight will be a tough assignment as Mason tries to snap its three-game losing streak in Boston. Northeastern, led by guards Matt Janning (16.0 ppg) and Chaison Allen (13.5 ppg), beat defending league champion VCU Monday in Richmond.
