Five Takeaways from George Mason vs Richmond

We didn't earn the split in the first game against Richmiond... and... how in the heck did Richmond's best 3 point shooter, a point guard, end up with Mason's freshmen center on him with less than 5 seconds left? Schwartz played well. Henry held his own. Ticket was Ticket and Johnson was great. Heck.. Blake Jones even had a few moment. Ugh. This one hurts. Mason missed Josh Oduro. Ugh. So close.

• Kudos to Kim English for throwing all sorts of spaghetti at the wall with Oduro and Polite out. This ganme was way closer than it could have been, and I thought the rotations, wrinkles, and everything else was outstanding.
• Mason's no-big, switch-everything lineup (with Frazier at the 5) looked a lot better than it has so far this season; they did a great job of forcing Richmond away from the basket.
• Speaking of Frazier... man, what does Mason have with this kid, and what might he be next year? I actually don't know, but his confidence is off the charts taking the ball to the hoop. If you squint hard enough, there might just a be a Jalen Adaway starter kit there.
• Hat tip to Richmond. They won at home despite an off night for BBurton and Golden.
• Jacob Gilyard... my goodness. He's amazing.

Yuri Collins and Jacob Gilyard have both pasted Mason in the last 10 days or so, and it's weird, because it doesn't feel like Johnson's defense has been bad. Great players making great plays? Mason's lack of depth meaning Johnson has to tamper it down a bit? I really don't know, but a pair of really great point guards have feasted on Mason lately, but I don't know what the fix might be.

Back home to EBA, hopefully with Josh and Ronnie back.