Underpreview: Delaware vs. George Mason
Published: Monday, February 18, 2013
Updated: Monday, February 18, 2013 21:02
Women’s Basketball
Time: Today at 7 p.m.
Location: Patriot Center, Fairfax, Va.
About Delaware:
The Hens are 22-3 overall and 13-0 in the CAA. Delaware has won 17 in a row and is aiming for consecutive, undefeated CAA seasons. The team was ranked 18th in the most recent AP poll. Senior forward Elena Delle Donne leads the conference with 24.7 points per game.
About George Mason: The Patriots are 8-15 and 3-9 in conference play. They have lost six of eight. Senior guard Rahneeka Saunders leads the team with 12.3 points per contest. The team was 15-16 last season.
Why the Hens can win:
Delaware stomped George Mason, 62-27, when the teams met in January. Delle Donne’s numbers are down a bit from last year due to Lyme disease, but she is still second in the nation in scoring. She also averages 8.6 rebounds per game. Perhaps more importantly, the team is playing well around her. With five games left in the regular season, the Hens look sharp.
Why the Hens could lose:
Geore Mason is playing for pride. On paper, the Hens are better than the Patriots, but as everyone knows, that isn’t where games are played. The Patriots are fourth in the conference in rebounding margin and could give the Hens trouble if they pound the boards early. Saunders is also a solid 3-point shooter.
The numbers:
730: The number of days since the Hens lost a home game against a CAA foe. On Feb. 20, 2011, they suffered a 69-64 defeat to James Madison.
16.3: Delaware’s average scoring margin, best in the conference and one of the best in the nation.
33.2: Delaware’s field goal percentage defense, behind only six teams.
The prediction:
Frankly, the Hens should run away with this one. I think Delaware will get out to an early lead behind Delle Donne and control the game for an easy win.
Delaware: 68
George Mason: 48
Matt Bittle
Copy Desk Chief
is a member of the 
