March 18, 2006
Dayton, Ohio -
Fresh off its historic 75-65 win over sixth-seeded Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament, the George Mason men's basketball team prepares for another challenge, one that would further cement an already towering legacy.
On Sunday at 2:20 p.m., the 11th-seeded Patriots will take the court against the defending national champions as Mason will try to eliminate third-seeded North Carolina, thereby advancing to the Sweet Sixteen.
When the NCAA Selection Committee drew up the Washington D.C. region, they probably glanced at the second round and anticipated a match-up between two of last year's Final Four teams. Instead, they're watching a so-called "mid-major" program fighting to stake its own claim against basketball royalty.
Michigan State has been to the Final Four in four of the past seven seasons. North Carolina has been to 16 Final Fours, most of any school in the nation. The Tar Heels have an 89-37 record in NCAA Tournament play. George Mason has a 1-3 mark in the Big Dance.
One thing that Mason has going for it, though, is something hard to come by and invaluable for a team this time of year - confidence. Against Michigan State, the Patriots (24-7) showed they could be poised when needed, aggressive when called for and they played smart from the opening tip to the final whistle. The Patriots shot nearly 60 percent from the field in the game, committed just 10 personal fouls and held the Spartans to less than 40 percent shooting in the second half. And Mason did it all without second-leading scorer, All-CAA senior guard Tony Skinn, who was serving a one-game suspension. Skinn returns to the lineup against North Carolina.
North Carolina, meanwhile, could never shake 14th-seeded Murray State in its opening round game, needing a basket and a pair of free throws in the final minute to earn a 69-65 win. The Tar Heels, for all their success in the NCAA Tournament, are just 3-3 all-time as a No. 3 seed.
The Tar Heels (23-7) have been led by freshman Tyler Hansbrough, one of the most talented first-year players in the country. The 6-foot-9 forward has started 29 of 30 games, is averaging 19.2 points and 7.8 rebounds and is shooting .577 from the field. He leads North Carolina in all those categories. Junior forward Reyshawn Terry is adding 14.5 points per game and 6.1 rebounds while senior forward David Noel is pouring in 12.6 points and grabbing 6.8 rebounds.
Against Michigan State, the Patriots made it a priority to get to the glass and to keep the Spartans off the boards. Entering the game, Michigan State averaged 36.0 rebounds per game and out-rebounded the opposition by 6.0 rebounds per game. Mason finished with a 40-24 edge on the boards. North Carolina is even more formidable on the glass. The Tar Heels average 39.9 rebounds per game and enjoy an 8.3 rebounds per game advantage over the opposition.
Whereas North Carolina, like Michigan State, looks to a "Big Three" to run the offense, the Patriots have five players averaging in double figures and three of those players are shooting .485 or better from the field. That terrific teamwork is one reason this year's team has broken the school record for assists in a season. The Patriots also have set a new school record for wins in a season. One other milestone will occur on Sunday. When Jai Lewis steps on the court, he will also tie the school record for games in a career, as he appears in his 122nd contest.
