[PREVIEW] George Mason vs. VCU -- Men's Basketball

Sherrod Wright scored 25 points and went 14-for-18 at the free throw line to tie his career high against ODU (photo by John Irwin).

George Mason men’s basketball opens Atlantic 10 conference play against long-time rival Virginia Commonwealth University today at 7 p.m. in Richmond, VA at the Siegel Center.

VCU at a glance

The Patriots (7-7, 0-0 A10) and the Rams (12-3, 0-0 A10) meet for the first time since the 2011-2012 season. VCU leads the all time series, 31-18, with the Rams taking the last two meetings between these two teams.

Despite having only three losses on the season, VCU lost 77-68 to Northern Iowa in December, a team that the Patriots defeated 76-70 in November.

Projected starting lineup

2013-2014 Statistics

Juvonte Reddic – Forward – 6’9” – 11.7 PPG – 7.3 RPG

Treveon Graham – Forward – 6’6” – 15.7 PPG – 6.5 RPG

Jordan Burgess – Guard – 6’5” – 5.9 PPG – 1.9 RPG

Rob Brandenberg – Guard – 6’2” – 9.5 PPG – 1.9 RPG

Briante Weber – Guard – 6’2” – 8.5 PPG – 3.7 RPG

Senior forward Juvonte Reddic and junior forward Treveon Graham both received preseason First Team All-Conference Honors. Reddic is an active forward with guard-type speed and a high-impact player, while Graham is a tough match-up for opponents due to his size and ability to score from anywhere on the floor.

Junior guard Briante Weber is averaging 3.9 steals per game, and led the nation in steal percentage in each of his two seasons prior. Weber’s insatiable taste for steals has contributed to VCU ranking first in the country in forcing turnovers, which will be a problem for Mason, who has a very high turnover percentage.

How Mason stacks up

The Rams will try to wear down the Patriots’ offense and make them uncomfortable with their press defense. Mason will have to consistently beat the press and limit turnovers. The Patriots will likely look to slow the pace by running an effective half-court offense.