What a big game for George Mason and Kim English. To finally defeat Maryland after all these years. D’Shawn Schwartz was a star leading the way with 24 points and hitting 6-of-10 three-pointers. DeVon Cooper also had a great night adding 16 points. Ticket Gaines and Josh Oduro also had some big moments as the Patriots controlled this game. They kept their turnovers to a minimum and out-rebounded the Terrapins. They limited Maryland’s big front court and forced them to rely on outside shooting to stay in the game. Josh Oduro had some nifty post moves all night that the Terps had no answer for.
Mason played smart down the stretch and locked in on defense to build a lead in the second half. In the final minutes the Terps battled back and tried to gain momentum but Schwartz and Cooper had an answer each time to stop the runs. The hustle on defense was impressive to watch, they gave Maryland fits all night and it was a difference maker in the second half. They held them scoreless for a few 2 and 3 minute stretches which was impressive given the talent on that roster they were facing.
Huge statement win for Kim English, in only his 4th game as head coach. They now will have the attention of the college basketball world, that sure feels nice. You have to be excited to watch them play in a multi-team tournament event coming in Sioux Falls next week.
