The Massachusetts Minutemen (11-17, 4-11 A10) will attempt to snap a five-game road losing streak when they meet the George Mason Patriots (13-15, 7-8 A10) at EagleBank Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018.
Massachusetts Minutemen at George Mason Patriots ATS Preview
In the Minutemen’s last game, they lost to the VCU Rams, 82-78. With 38 points on 11-for-21 shooting, Luwane Pipkins was the games leading scorer. VCU had an effective field goal percentage of 0.619 (above their season average of 0.520). Massachusetts, on the other hand, forced the Rams into a turnover percentage of 19.8 (above their season average of 16.6).
The Patriots hope to maintain momentum after edging the Saint Joseph’s Hawks in their last matchup, 79-76. George Mason was lifted by Goanar Mar, who recorded 16 points and six rebounds. The Patriots held the Hawks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.5 (below the 27.7 mark opponents have averaged against George Mason this season) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.459 (below the 0.516 mark opponents have averaged against George Mason this season).
George Mason could have a tough time creating turnovers. Massachusetts ranks 187th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 18.8 percent), while George Mason forces the 38th-fewest turnovers (16.3 percent).
Pipkins has been on fire over the last five games for Massachusetts, averaging 25.4 points, 5.0 assists and 1.8 steals per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The Patriots won 80-72. The Patriots dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 and a superb free throw rate of 0.282. The Minutemen had marks of 27.9 and 0.221, respectively, for those same stats. In the victory, Otis Livingston II led all scorers with 33 points.
Massachusetts Minutemen vs. George Mason Patriots Odds Prediction
Free Prediction: SU Winner – George Mason, ATS Winner – George Mason, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Minutemen average 3.0 blocks per game, which ranks 144th in the NCAA. The Patriots rank 183rd in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
- Massachusetts ranks 50th in three pointers allowed per game (19.7) while George Mason ranks 242nd (24.4).
- The Minutemen rank 52nd in assists per game (15.5) while the Patriots rank 240th (11.6).
- George Mason ranks 91st in rebounds per game (36.7) while Massachusetts ranks 254th (33.0).
Betting Trends:
- The Patriots have outscored opponents by an average of 4.0 points in their last five games. For the season, George Mason has lost by an average of 3.6 points.
- During their last five games, the Minutemen have scored an average of 77.4 points per game (5.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 83.0 points per game (8.9 above their season average).
