George Mason Patriots Host Samford Bulldogs in NIT Showdown
The George Mason Patriots (26-8) are set to clash with the Samford Bulldogs (22-10) in a highly anticipated National Invitation Tournament (NIT) matchup on March 19, 2025, at EagleBank Arena. This contest promises to be a compelling battle between two teams with contrasting styles and aspirations, as the Patriots aim to defend their impressive 17-game home winning streak while the Bulldogs seek to pull off an upset on the road.
For George Mason, this NIT appearance offers a chance to rebound after a recent setback. In their last game, the Patriots suffered a 68-63 defeat at the hands of VCU, a result that undoubtedly stung. However, Coach Kim English will be looking to rally his troops and harness the energy of their home crowd to get back on track. A deep run in the NIT could provide valuable experience for a relatively young George Mason squad and serve as a springboard for future success.
The Patriots’ offense will be spearheaded by Jalen Haynes, who put up a strong performance in their previous game against VCU. Haynes recorded 17 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, demonstrating his all-around ability and importance to the team. George Mason will need Haynes to maintain his high level of play and receive contributions from other key players such as Darius Maddox and Ronald Polite III if they hope to advance further in the tournament. Maddox is a potent outside threat who can stretch the floor and open up driving lanes for his teammates, while Polite brings a steady hand at the point guard position and excels at distributing the ball.
Defensively, George Mason will need to tighten up after allowing VCU to shoot efficiently in their previous contest. The Patriots are typically a strong defensive team, known for their tenacity and ability to force turnovers. They will need to disrupt Samford’s offensive flow and limit their opportunities to score easy baskets. Rebounding will also be a key factor, as George Mason must prevent the Bulldogs from getting second-chance points.
On the other side of the court, the Samford Bulldogs will be looking to bounce back from a 95-78 loss to Furman. Coach Bucky McMillan will be eager to see his team put that defeat behind them and showcase their high-octane offense against George Mason. The Bulldogs are known for their fast-paced tempo and willingness to shoot the three-pointer, making them a dangerous opponent for any team.
Leading the charge for Samford is Josh Holloway, who poured in 21 points in their loss to Furman. Holloway is a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot and get to the basket. The Bulldogs will need Holloway to have another big game if they want to stand a chance of defeating George Mason on their home court. In addition to Holloway, Samford boasts a number of other talented offensive players, including Achor Achor and Jermaine Marshall. Achor is a versatile forward who can score inside and out, while Marshall is a sharpshooter who can light it up from beyond the arc.
Samford’s offensive philosophy is predicated on spreading the floor and creating open looks for their shooters. They move the ball quickly and are always looking to push the tempo. However, their aggressive offensive style can sometimes lead to turnovers, which is something they will need to address against George Mason.
Defensively, the Bulldogs will need to find a way to slow down George Mason’s offense and prevent them from getting easy baskets. They will need to be disciplined in their rotations and avoid giving up open looks from beyond the arc. Rebounding will also be crucial, as Samford will need to limit George Mason’s second-chance opportunities.
The game is scheduled to tip-off at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Fans can expect a high-energy atmosphere at EagleBank Arena as the George Mason faithful come out to support their team.
A key trend to watch in this game is the recent scoring output of both teams. George Mason has seen a slight decrease in scoring lately, averaging 68 points per game in their last 10 contests, which is 2.9 points fewer than their season average of 70.9. This could be due to a number of factors, including tougher competition or a slight dip in shooting percentage. Conversely, Samford is scoring 82.4 points per game in their last 10 games, which is slightly below their season average of 83.3. While Samford’s scoring has remained relatively consistent, George Mason will need to find ways to generate more offense if they want to compete with the Bulldogs’ high-powered attack.
Ultimately, the outcome of this game will depend on which team can execute their game plan more effectively. George Mason will need to rely on their defense and home-court advantage, while Samford will need to unleash their offensive firepower. The Patriots are favored to win, but the Bulldogs are capable of pulling off an upset if they can control the tempo and make their shots. This NIT matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams with contrasting styles and aspirations. College basketball fans are sure to be in for a treat when these two teams take the court on March 19th. It is a game that will test both teams and see who has the grit and determination to advance further in the tournament.
