Fourth Estate/Mitchell Richtmyre
BY JALEN STUBBS, MANAGING EDITOR
The Mason men’s basketball team was victorious against the Rhode Island Rams finishing with a final score of 75-67 making it their 12th victory at home. The Patriots were victorious Wednesday night against the George Washington Colonials finishing with a final score of 66-53. The Patriots now currently stand 7th in the Atlantic-10 Conference and are 15-12 overall.
Coach Kim English felt his team responded very well against the Rams who also have had much success throughout the season.
“Really good win for our group,” said Coach English. “I think we have a resilient group taking whatever has been thrown at us this season and just continue to improve and get better.”
Junior Ronald Polite III was just short of a double-double after tallying 15 points and nine assists. Senior Davonte Gaines also put up 15 points going 3-10 from the field.
“I’m always in a giving mood,” said Polite. “Ticket hit some big shots, Coop hit some big shots, Josh was rolling hard, it was just really about creating opportunities.” Polite also spoke on how playing against Rhode Island allowed him to witness the dominance of his teammate Oduro. “I feel like when he’s [Josh] in the mode to dominate, it really doesn’t matter the team,” said Polite.
After making his return from an injury, Gaines has been itching to play after sitting on the sideline watching during games. “It’s been a smooth transition, I’ve been able to watch while I was on the sideline,” said Gaines. “Just doing my job, it has been comfortable.”
Despite the multiple turnovers in the first half, the Patriots were able to make the necessary adjustments ending the first period with a score of 36-33 where the Patriots finished with a lead under 10 minutes remaining in the first half.
“Playing inside out, getting great shots,” said Gaines. “Giving the ball to Josh, and double team making it through the right play. I think going inside first, Ronnie finding guys off the pick and roll, just making the right decisions.”
Graduate student Saquan Singleton earned more playing time this game compared to others so far this season. Coach English feels that had an impact on the performance of the team from a defensive standpoint.
“Saquan had an incredible practice,” said Coach English. “His spirit, his voice, his defense, his leadership…we had some guys who played well against UMass that didn’t deserve to play well at Loyola Chicago and they did.”
Graduate student Victor Bailey recently fractured his pinkie finger and will be sitting out for 5 weeks.
“He had surgery three days ago when we were in Pittsburgh,” said Coach English. “His family flew up…he’s gonna go through the same process Ticket just went through five weeks out.”
Mason will host their homecoming game against La Salle this Saturday at 4 p.m. at EagleBank Arena.