WE Exclusive: George Mason University Mens Basketball

*WIZARDSEXTREME.COM EXCLUSIVE*

George Mason stays undefeated at home against Northeastern
George Mason 67 Northeastern 61


This blog is dedicated to the Washington Wizards but needed to show love to the George Mason Patriots Mens Basketball team.  They deserve it as they are heading into the CAA tournament with their heads high! Also, I currently go to George Mason as well, so I have to represent my school!

With this win, George Mason Patriots clinch with the #1 seed in the CAA Championship. This win was huge as it gives the Patriots confidence going into the CAA tournament and possibly the NCAA tournament (Hopefully!).

It was Senior Night in Fairfax and the two seniors,  Isiah Tate and Cam Long, did not disappoint the packed home crowd. Coach Laranaga said it was the biggest home game for a weekday game they have ever had. The Patriots also finished 14-0 at home this season.


"(Cam) is a top 5 player in this league," said Northeastern Coach Bill Coen as he was describing Cam Long.

Cam gets a huge standing ovation from the home crowd during his introduction on Senior Night.  He finished with 13 points with 3 of 11 shooting.  He started the game 0 of 7 in the first half but had a excellent 2nd half sparking a run for Mason.

"My teammates created for me," says Cam after the game. He went on about how the pressure was mounting but they kept it together, "when it got out of hand, we just got it together."


I love college crowds, I only wish the Mason crowd could transfer over to the Verizon Center to cheer on the Wizards.

Andre Cornelius and Vertrail Vaughns are two young little hustlers.  They remind me of Tony Skin of the Final 4 George Mason University team (one of many comaparisons I had tonight).


George Mason as a team, are fundamentally sound and play tough defense, and that will help come tournament time.  This team actually impressed me.  OK, so the team they played isn't exactly Duke or Kansas but Mason can hold their own. 

Junior Ryan Pearson finished with 18 points and 15 rebounds.  Ryan only stands 6`6 and was hustling like Charles Barkley (I am no way in shape or form saying he is the next one in line to fill Barkley's shoes). He surpassed 1000 points and 500 rebounds for his career so far, not too shabby for a undersized power forward.

Mike Morrison is a beast. He reminds me of Will Thomas of the infamous final 4 team (I can't help but compare and contrast with the Final 4 team, it's only natural)

Morrison is the biggest player on the George Mason squad as he stands 6`9 225 lbs. He played big and was tough in the inside.  

Overall, good game, great crowd and atmosphere, and better yet, a win! (Take lessons, Washington Wizards)

I want to give a special shout out to the George Mason Band (Doc Nixon and the Green Machine) and the fans! They made my night that much better.

Mason/Northeastern Notes/Random Thoughts

* Isaiah Tate started in place of sophomore guard Luke Hancock as it was senior night.

* Mason finishes with 24-5, with a 15-2 record in the CAA. 

* After the game, the Patriots went into the crowd to give the crowd hand shakes and high fives celebrating a undefeated home record.

* Isiah Tate, a friend of mine, reminds me of a Jason Campbell with a jumper.

* For more George Mason Patriots Mens Basketball coverage, follow @GMUHoops on twitter and visit http://GeorgeMasonBasketball.blogspot.com


PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN POWELL