Ben's Keys to the Game

      After a long and ardous 3 game road trip that brought the Patriots record to just above .500 at 7-6, they are now greeted at home by the 20th ranked (USA Today) Deleware Blue Hens. The 11-1 Blue Hens bring alot of fire-power to the Patriot Center on Sunday, let's get right into the Keys to the Game.

Home Sweet Home

      The Patriots will gladly return to the Patriot Center with a sigh of relief after the shalacking they took on their 3 game road trip. 5 of the 7 wins George Mason has this year come from their home floor, losing only to American and University of Maryland. The time away from Fairfax has clearly not been favorable, in their recent stretch of losing 5 of their last 6 games, all but one loss (Maryland) came on the road. Sadly the Blue Hens could care less about traveling, they are unbeaten away from Deleware with their only loss occuring at home against a very strong Maryland squad. Let the Green Machine and home crowd cheer the Patriots to an upset victory.

Shut Down the Star

      Much easier said than done. Meet Elena Delle Donne: a 6'5 stud who averages close to 30 points a game, around 10 rebounds a game, is 2nd on the team for assists with 26, and has 34 blocks already this season. Oh, by the way, she's only a Junior. For the Patriots to have any chance of pulling the upset they must attack and contain Donne. Senior Evelyn Lewis is the tallest Patriot at 6'3, still two inches shorter than Donne, but Lewis plays very physical down low in the paint. Lewis will have her hands full, but must try to body up Donne and force her to take jumpers rather than easy layups. George Mason also must try to get Donne in foul trouble. The refs always give post players a bad rap, as alot of fouls are called inside. Taleia Moton and Rahneeka Saunders, along with the rejuvinated Amber Easter, must attack with their speed and quickness down low to draw Donne into early foul trouble. If they can get her on the bench early with 2-3 fouls in the first half this opens up the floor for the Patriots. Pump fakes and quick moves are a must.

Hit Open Shots

      With a 6'5 shotblocking machine down low, George Mason will have to rely on its jump shooting ability all game long. An off night from any one of the guards could be deadly. Moton has now emerged as the clear star on this team, 9th in the nation in scoring (20.6 points per game), and will need to be her usual high scoring self on Sunday. Some strong perimeter shooting is a must as well, with Moton, Saunders, and Christine Weithman will all need to be able to hit from outside. Amber Easter will need to keep doing her thing as well, as she seems to be a double-double machine, collecting 13 points and 11 boards last game against William & Mary. Get good looks, hit open shots, no problem right?

Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. tomorrow, be sure and come out and support the Patriots as they look to pull of the upset and collect an important CAA victory!