Maryland hosts George Mason tonight in a a game that could end up being the best one of the night.
The Terps (3-0) have been led by an inside-outside attack featuring guards Fatts Russell/Eric Ayala and Georgetown transfer, Qudus Wahab.
George Mason is off to a lightning quick start under new head coach, Kim English. The Patriots (3-0) have won their first the games in dominant fashion with Josh Oduro leading the way.
KEYS:
Fatts Russell vs Xavier Johnson
Both players get their teams in the offense in an efficient manner. Russell’s experience will definitely be a challenge for Johnson. The major question is, will Russell take away Johnson’ right hand? Johnson is notoriously right hand dominant. If Russell recognizes that and effectively takes it away, it will be interesting how Johnson handles that. Eventually, Johnson has to be effective using the other side of the floor.
Qudus Wahab vs Josh Oduro
Both players are off to a strong start. Wahab’s first two games in a Maryland uniform produced 18 and 17 point scoring nights. The big (no pun intended) challenge for Wahab will be how he plays against a player that is somewhat his size? He’s been feasting on smaller players.
Oduro’s challenge is somewhat the same but he’s played against players his size. In fact, Penn rotated three players 6’9″ and above and Oduro still feasted. His ability to stretch, attack fellows bigs off the bounce from the foul line extended, along with his back-to-the-basket game will give Wahab all he can handle.
Mason’s Offense vs Maryland’s defense
George Mason’s offense has been cooking. In the first three games, Mason has shot 52.5%, 56.4%, and 51.7%. The Patriots offense is diverse. Johnson and DeVon Cooper can get downhill. Cooper, Jamal Hartwell, and D’Shawn Schwartz can out and out light it up from the three point line and then you still have to deal with Davonte Gaines.
The Terps defense suffocated Vermont holding them to 22.6% shooting in the second half. It starts with their perimeter defense. Ayala, Russell, and Donta Scott are all above average on ball defenders.
Summary
If George Mason wants to win, they must stay hot from the field and keep Wahab off the offensive boards. Turnovers, which were a problem in the first half of the Morgan State game will have to be held to a minimum.
For the Terps, they’ll need to stay motivated on defense. Closing out on Mason’s perimeter shooters is a must because if the perimeter defenders hug the shooters, Oduro will be able to beat Wahab off the dribble.
