2008 Woodie Awards
George Mason uses early run to crush Delaware
by Sammi Cassin
Issue date: 2/16/07 Section: Sports
Maybe it was because of the snow. Maybe it was because it was Valentine's Day. Maybe it was because the men's basketball team has only won five of the last 27 games.
But as the 2,778 fans trickled into the seemingly empty Bob Carpenter Center
Wednesday, it was clear that a spark is missing from this basketball season.
Coming off a 77-62 loss to Drexel Saturday, Delaware (5-22, 3-13 Colonial Athletic Association) went into this game hoping to redeem itself and gain some confidence. But the Hens suffered another loss against George Mason (14-12, 8-8 CAA), a disappointing 66-46 outcome Wednesday night.
Ten fast-break points, 30 points in the paint and 30 off the bench contributed to the win for George Mason, who snapped its three-game losing streak. Defensively, the game was no different.
Junior forward Herb Courtney admitted the match-up was a tough one for the Hens, who had issues with their defensive and offensive games.
"They played well," he said. "They're a tough team. They're big inside and have good, fast guards."
Courtney also confessed the team could have played a lot better, despite some bad calls and missed shots that did not go in its favor.
"We had some close calls that didn't go our way, but we didn't give it our best shot," Courtney said. "We didn't give it all we had."
From the opening tip-off, the Hens' game was off and the team could not build any momentum.
Head coach Monte Ross was disappointed with Wednesday's loss, but recognized there were several obstacles to beating the Patriots that Delaware failed to overcome.
With several members of the team ineligible to play for various reason, Delaware has had to play with a condensed roster for the past several games.
"George Mason pulled ahead very early in the game," Ross said. "Our team is not equipped to withstand that right now."
After losing six players, younger and less experienced players have had increased roles. While fatigue is setting in, Ross said it is not an excuse.
"They are dog-tired," Ross said. "So be it, you have to play though the pain. Our shots weren't going in and we let it affect our defense. You can't let that happen."
Delaware has three games left, and there is little hope for saving the season. The offseason will give the team some time to recuperate and get their heads back in the game but for now Ross is still taking it one game at a time.
"Back to the drawing board, get ready for Saturday," he said.
But as the 2,778 fans trickled into the seemingly empty Bob Carpenter Center
Wednesday, it was clear that a spark is missing from this basketball season.
Coming off a 77-62 loss to Drexel Saturday, Delaware (5-22, 3-13 Colonial Athletic Association) went into this game hoping to redeem itself and gain some confidence. But the Hens suffered another loss against George Mason (14-12, 8-8 CAA), a disappointing 66-46 outcome Wednesday night.
Ten fast-break points, 30 points in the paint and 30 off the bench contributed to the win for George Mason, who snapped its three-game losing streak. Defensively, the game was no different.
Junior forward Herb Courtney admitted the match-up was a tough one for the Hens, who had issues with their defensive and offensive games.
"They played well," he said. "They're a tough team. They're big inside and have good, fast guards."
Courtney also confessed the team could have played a lot better, despite some bad calls and missed shots that did not go in its favor.
"We had some close calls that didn't go our way, but we didn't give it our best shot," Courtney said. "We didn't give it all we had."
From the opening tip-off, the Hens' game was off and the team could not build any momentum.
Head coach Monte Ross was disappointed with Wednesday's loss, but recognized there were several obstacles to beating the Patriots that Delaware failed to overcome.
With several members of the team ineligible to play for various reason, Delaware has had to play with a condensed roster for the past several games.
"George Mason pulled ahead very early in the game," Ross said. "Our team is not equipped to withstand that right now."
After losing six players, younger and less experienced players have had increased roles. While fatigue is setting in, Ross said it is not an excuse.
"They are dog-tired," Ross said. "So be it, you have to play though the pain. Our shots weren't going in and we let it affect our defense. You can't let that happen."
Delaware has three games left, and there is little hope for saving the season. The offseason will give the team some time to recuperate and get their heads back in the game but for now Ross is still taking it one game at a time.
"Back to the drawing board, get ready for Saturday," he said.
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