[PREVIEW] Mason has the chance to sweep Old Dominion on the road tonight

The years of prosperity in Norfolk seem like a decade ago for the Old Dominion University men's basketball team. Back-to-back Colonial Athletic Association tournament championships and berths in the NCAA Tournament in 2010 and 2011 are seen as an distant afterthought with the Monarchs' dismal 2-19 record this season. 

In the last meeting between the Patriots and Monarchs, freshman guard Patrick Holloway led Mason in scoring with 15 points, shooting 60 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range. Junior forward Paris Bennett also turned in a career-high 13 points in the 71-46 rout at the Patriot Center on Jan. 10. Mason, however, shouldn't overlook this game. After all, ODU has won at least one game at home this season. 

Top Returners

DeShawn Painter -- Senior -- Center

The most experienced player on the Monarchs' team has seen the days of former ODU glory. Yet, the cast that he is surrounded with is relatively young and inexperienced. However, he leads ODU in scoring (11.2 points per game) and rebounding (8.2 rebounds per game), bearing the brunt in the frontcourt. He will give the Mason bigs all they can handle down low. 

Key Additions

Keenan Palmore -- Freshman -- Guard

As a freshman, Palmore has seen plenty of playing time and opportunities to contribute to the team. Averaging 8.2 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game, Palmore is a pleasant surprise for the Monarchs and has become a major player in their offensive sceme. 

The game will tip-off at 7 p.m. tonight and will be broadcast on NBC Sportsnet. 

Photo by John Irwin