In a stunning turn of events, George Mason pulled off a monumental upset at EagleBank Arena, taking down Virginia Commonwealth 86-80. The Patriots, ranked 70th in the net rankings, caught many off guard by handing the 54th-ranked Rams their sixth loss of the season. This outcome is all the more remarkable considering VCU's strong resume, which now includes a Quadrant 1 loss.
Fatt Hill was instrumental in the Patriots' victory, scoring 16 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. He was joined by Riley Allenspach, who also scored 16 points, and Kory Mincy, who chipped in with 15 points and 5 assists. The trio's impressive performance allowed George Mason to overcome a strong showing from VCU's Lazar Djokovic, who finished with 23 points and 5 rebounds. Terrence Hill Jr. also had a notable game for the Rams, scoring 16 points and pulling down 6 rebounds.
At halftime, the Patriots held a slim 38-37 lead, setting the stage for a intense second half. George Mason came out strong after the break, outscoring VCU 48-43 to secure the win. The Patriots' ability to maintain their lead and close out the game will undoubtedly boost their confidence moving forward.
This upset has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. For George Mason, the win marks a crucial Quadrant 2 victory, which will undoubtedly strengthen their resume. On the other hand, VCU's loss, although a Quadrant 1 defeat, may raise some concerns about their ability to perform against strong opponents. The Rams must regroup and refocus to ensure this loss does not have a lasting impact on their season.
The absence of a pre-game prediction makes this outcome all the more surprising, as many would have likely favored VCU given their higher net ranking. However, George Mason's victory serves as a reflection of the unpredictable nature of college basketball. As the season progresses, the Patriots want to build on this momentum, while the Rams will aim to bounce back from this setback.
Ultimately, this result will have a lasting impact on both teams' tournament prospects. George Mason's upset win over VCU will be a valuable addition to their resume, potentially improving their chances of securing a postseason berth. Conversely, the Rams must reassess their strategy and work to avoid similar upsets in the future. As the college basketball landscape continues to unfold, this thrilling matchup will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most notable upsets of the season.