Notre Dame - George Mason Preview

East- Round 1
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5) Vs. George Mason Patriots (12)
Thursday, March 20 @ 9:50 pm
Betting Line From Bookmaker: Notre Dame -6.5

Although the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame (14- 4 Big East, 24- 7 overall) lost to Marquette in the conference tournament, they came in second to Georgetown in the regular season and earned a ticket to the Big Dance. Although Notre Dame enjoys shooting as much as they can, they have been flexible enough to adapt to specific opponents.

Forward Luke Harangody (20.8 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 52% FG) proved to be a dominant player this season. Guard Kyle McAlarney (15.2 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 3.5 APG) hit 45% from the three-point line, while Rob Kurz (12.8 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.0 APG) was good 40% of the time. This is a team that simply likes to shoot, shoot and shoot. But can they match some of the better clubs that like to also throw the ball up at the rim?

The George Mason Patriots (12- 6 CAA, 23- 10 overall), who made it to the Final Four in 2006, are back in the tourney after taking the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament title. Two starters, Folarin Campbell and Will Thomas, were at the 2006 tournament, which means that this time the Patriots actually bring some true experience to the court.

Swingman Campbell (15.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.3 APG) and forward Thomas (15.8 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.9 APG) are both prodigious scorers. Thomas hits 64% from the floor. Guard John Vaughn (12.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.2 APG) is a true playmaker. Dre Smith, also at guard, can knock down threes at will. Against James Madison, he went 10 for 10 from downtown.

George Mason will look to slow the game down, while Notre Dame will want to run and gun. That alone makes this an interesting contest. This isn't your same cinderella team and Notre Dame should be able to cover this one in the end.

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