The Direction of the 2016-17 Team

After starting the 2016-17 with a disappointing record this year’s men’s basketball team seem destined for the same old results once again. Results mounting to another finish near the bottom of the A10 conference, along with a quick and early exit from the conference tournament. However after the teams embarrassing loss Houston, everything changed seemingly for the better. The Patriot’s have gone on to win five straight beating Kent State, Bradley, James Madison, Northern Iowa and Mercer University. While all five wins have been huge, there were none bigger and more impressive then the overtime win at home against James Madison and the big time road win against Northern Iowa. Highlighting the win against James Madison University first, the intense history and rivalry between these two teams made this win absolutely gratifying. Facing off for the 95th time back in late November, Jame Madison University came into the game with a significant winning margin against the Patriots with an astounding record of 41-16. Winning a substantial amount of match-ups against Mason over the last couple of years, it was thrilling to finally add a victory to the side of GMU rather than JMU for a chance.

Looking more into this win it was key as well because it was another home win for Mason. Over the last few years home court advantage has been non existent for the most part, in large part too the lack of wins at now Eagle Bank Arena. Even though the season is still young, this team currently sits with a 4-2 home record. If this winning pace is to continue then Eagle Bank Arena will soon begin to sell out for more than just shows, and concerts but it will sell out once again for Mason basketball. Shifting focus to the Northern Iowa win, this was a big win all around. Not only was it on the road but it was a huge win for Coach Paulsen and the team because it came against team who’s Rating Percentage Index (RPI) was within the top 70 sitting at 65 when these two teams meet in late November. With a team they have faced in the past, Mason hasn’t always fared to well with Northern Iowa, however, 54-50 victory over the Panthers on November 30th was important for this program and the direction it is currently heading in.

With that said the present is currently extremely bright for Mason sitting at 6-3 who are top 5 in the A10 conference standings at the moment. While it is significantly early in the season, it appears as though this year’s team will finally produce a winning record for the first time in a few years. If that is indeed the case not only will it be refreshing for the team itself, but it will be a much need boost to the George Mason community and all of mason nation. Looking beyond the present though, the future continues to look promising as this team looks destined for greatness once again under the direction of head coach Dave Paulsen.