Mason-Boston University men's basketball preview

Boston University travels to Fairfax winless attempting to upset the Patriots. (Photo courtesy of Terrier Athletics.)

After finishing in third place in the Paradise Jam Tournament with a 74-58 win over Quinnipiac University last Monday, Mason returns home from the U.S. Virgin Islands this week to host Boston University on Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Patriot Center.

This will be the first match-up between BU and Mason since 1985, with the all time series tied at 2-2. The Terriers (0-4) are coming off an 81-79 loss to Rutgers, but averages 69.3 points per game. Mason (3-2) is averaging 62.8 points per game on the season.

The Terriers 6’0” guard, D.J. Irving, leads the team, averaging 18.0 points per game. Irving is coming off a career-high 24-point game against Rutgers University, where he hit a three-pointer with 8.2 seconds left in the game that brought the Terriers within one.

The Patriots have their own go-to scorer in Sherrod Wright, averaging 16.2 points per game. The 6’4” guard has been impressive so far this season, making huge plays for the Patriots at key points in the game. Wright is clutch in the second half and seems to turn it on with under ten to play.

For both schools, the key to the game will be preventing turnovers. BU is averaging 10 turnovers a game and Mason is averaging 13.4. Another factor for Mason will be getting Sherrod Wright going early in the game, which will put pressure on BU to keep up with Mason’s full-court press and up-tempo style of play. This will be the third game back from suspension for 6’8” power forward, Erik Copes, who is a major contributor on the court and huge asset to the team.

Copes along with 6’8” forward Johnny Williams, who leads the team with 5.8 rebounds per game, should provide a solid low-post presence. At 6’7” Malik Thomas is the Terriers’ leading rebounder, averaging 6.7 per game.

If the Patriots perform up to their potential, George Mason could walk away with a win. Mason will play at home for just the second time this season, with their last home game resulting in a 63-59 win over the University of Virginia.