Free Daily NBA Lock Pick, Tuesday January 2nd: Charlotte vs Sacramento 10:00pm ET
CLICK TO SEE PICK NOW
George Mason (11-2 SU, 7-4-1 ATS) travels to Philadelphia to take on La Salle (9-4 SU, 5-6-1 ATS) in an A-10 battle on Wednesday night at 6:30pmET from Tom Gola Arena at TruMark Financial Center.
Last season, these teams split the series with both winning at home, but the Explorers covered both games ATS.
Struggling with handicapping? Try our NCAAB Predictions!
Tony Skinn was hired to take over as the GMU head coach when Kim English headed to Providence. The former Patriots star from a different era, playing under Jim Larranga, is taking over a program that appeared to be on the rise under English. Last season, they went 20-13 and 11-7 in conference after being very mediocre once Larranaga left for Miami a decade ago. The Patriots have been very solid in non-conference play, winning four straight and eight of nine games. They've been 8-0 at home and just 2-1 on the road. According to KenPom, GMU is ranked 99th, but their strength of schedule is dead last at 362nd.
The key to this team has been the play of 6-7 sophomore Keyshawn Hall (6-7, 230), who comes from UNLV to average 16.2 points, and 9.5 rebounds on 48.1% shooting (34.4% 3pt). Another key transfer was the addition of junior Darrius Maddox (8.5ppg, VTech LY), a 6-5 wing, who is averaging 13.6 po ints and 3.8 rebounds in 43.8% shooting (41.5% 3pt). Overall, George Mason's defense has been top-notch, as they are holding teams to 37.7% shooting from the field, but they are struggling to defend the three-point shot (34.1%). On offense, they are averaging 75.3 points and 47.9% shooting (37% 3pt). They also rank 56th in rebounding margin with 6.3 per game.