In two-plus seasons at George Mason,
Otis Livingston II and
Jaire Grayer have several accomplishments.
The juniors have been starters since freshmen, combining for 166 career starts. Livingston surpassed the 1,000 point mark in early December, the fastest to that milestone in the program's last 18 years, and is nearing 300 assists. Grayer is on the doorstep of 1,000, needing 51 points to become the 37
th in school history to reach the mark.
Both are having their best seasons. But there's something they have yet to do – beat George Washington, their host opponent Wednesday, in the Revolutionary Rivalry that was created three seasons ago when both teams were in the A10.
GW is 8-0 against the Patriots, 4-0 on teams that included Livingston, Grayer and coach
Dave Paulsen.
"It's not a rivalry 'til we can win a game," Paulsen says. "We gotta win one. Hopefully it's starts on Wednesday."
To win, the Patriots will likely need big games from both Livingston, a 5-11 point guard, and Grayer, a 6-5 guard. Both have been on hot streaks.
Livingston is averaging 24.2 ppg and 5.5 apg over the last four games while shooting 70% from the field, including 60% on three-pointers. He's also taking care of the ball with just nine turnovers during the four-game span.
"He's playing at a high level with a lot of confidence," Paulsen says. "He's working a lot on his game. His shooting the ball from deep is a big thing; he's aggressively hunting threes so now they've got to press up on him so he can drive to score or dish."
Livingston's recent heroics include a buzzer-beating three pointer for an 81-79 win against St. Joe's. He's hit a lot of difficult shots but is more proud of his improving attitude:
"I've taken big strides with my leadership on the court and off the court. I'm being more vocal and leading by example. I think the vocal part is what I'm most proud of, stepping out of my shell and being confident in what I'm saying and how I'm leading these guys."
Grayer has been steady all season. Over the last four games, he's averaging 17.2 ppg, including a career-high 25 in Saturday's 75-70 home win against St. Louis. He leads the team in threes (49) and is shooting 41.9% from beyond the arc. But he's also a threat cutting or driving to the rim.
"Confidence begets confidence," Paulsen says. "Jaire's knocked down some shots and feels more comfortable. One of the big things for him is If he misses a couple, he doesn't lose confidence. Sometimes in the past he would have gotten down on himself. He's also helped himself with the ability to get to the rim and finish in different ways around the basket to get himself going."
The game has slowed down for Grayer. "I'm more patient this year on offense," he says. "Last year I was real antsy like, 'I gotta get the ball; I gotta get the ball.' I'm waiting on my offense to come to me instead of trying to go make something happen."
The best rivalries are often local. Livingston, Grayer and several GMU teammates played with or against GW players last summer in Georgetown's Kenner League. GW leads the rivalry 18-2 with GMU's last win coming in 2010.
"I'm looking forward to this game," Grayer said. "Me and Otis have never beat them."
Livingston is taking a more Zen approach: "It's a big game. But every game is a big game from here on out 'til the season is over."
Paulsen has a feel for the type game it will be: "They've got good players. This league is a grinder. We've won three games – one in OT, one at the buzzer, one in the last minute.
"It's the same with them. It's going to be heck of a battle."
