Assists fueling Patriots’ record winning streak
George Mason players often mime the words of coach Jim Larranaga. In this transcendent season in which the Patriots are riding a nation-high, 13-game winning streak, their mantra has become a snippet of coach-speak.
Share the ball.
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| UP NEXT |
| Northeastern at George Mason |
| When » Thursday, 7 p.m. |
| Where » Patriot Center, Fairfax |
| TV » MASN |
Those have become words to thrive by as George Mason (23-5, 14-2) already has more regular-season wins than any team in program history. On Thursday night, when GMU hosts Northeastern (10-18, 5-11), the Patriots can clinch the regular-season title in the CAA and the top seed in the conference tournament next weekend in Richmond.
This comes a year after George Mason finished 2009-10 as a talented, but dysfunctional mess. Four of the starters were suspended at some point of the season and the Patriots lost eight of their last 10, their worst stretch in 14 years under Larranaga.
“They were all fighting for playing time,” Larranaga said. “A lot of times a player thinks the way to earn playing time is to score.”
But, according to Larranaga, a 10-day exhibition tour of Italy did wonders for the Patriots’ chemistry.
“They’ve become great friends. They enjoy each other’s company on the court, off the court,” Larranaga said. “When you become a little less focused on yourself and a lot more focused on your teammates, then it becomes more fun to play. If I throw it to you, you’ll throw it back to me.”
It’s the same starting five as last season but with a vastly different mindset. Last year, 49.9 percent of the Patriots’ field goals were assisted. This year, it’s 56.4 percent. Last year, the Patriots’ turnovers (438) exceeded their assists (379). This season the assists (417) outnumber the miscues (312).
Better ball movement has produced better shots, reflected in the Patriots’ improved field goal percentage (48.1) and 3-point shooting (40.2 percent), compared to last year’s figures (43.9 percent and 34.3 percent respectively).
Mason’s playmaking is facilitated by a unique trio of versatile guards, who shoot and pass with equal efficiency. Larranaga identifies Andre Cornelius as the point guard, but the 5-foot-10 junior averages just 1.8 assists per game. Sophomore Luke Hancock (4.5 apg) and senior Cam Long (3.1 apg) handle the ball more often.
“It’s whoever gets the rebound,” said Hancock of who brings the ball up the court. “If I get it, I’m looking to drive it all the way and kick it to them. They’re the same way when they get it.”
Long (43.8 percent), Cornelius (40.0 percent) and sixth-man Isaiah Tate (43.9 percent) are dangerous 3-point shooters. Hancock is the best all-around shooter (51 percent).
“They really don’t care which of their perimeter guys has the ball,” VCU coach Shaka Smart said. “They really bring it and put a lot of pressure on the defense.”
