| Page 2 of 2 < |
VCU, Not George Mason, Headed to NCAAs
"These guys went out there tonight and they refused to be denied," Grant said. "The way they had to persevere, I think, speaks volumes about who they are as people."
In addition to the Rams' berth, the CAA hopes Old Dominion and Drexel will receive strong consideration for at-large spots in the NCAAs.
  George Mason guard Gabe Norwood (3) blocks the shot of Virginia Commonwealth guard Eric Maynor (3) during a Colonial Athletic Association championship college basketball game, Monday, March 5, 2007, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (Steve Helber - AP) |
The Rams played from behind much of the game, several times rallying to pull even before the Patriots pulled away again. The last time came on a 5-0 run that gave George Mason a 57-52 lead with 2:22 left, and this time VCU didn't stop at getting even.
Maynor scored 14 of his 20 points in the second half and added seven rebounds and four assists. He was selected the tournament MVP.
Fameni added 13 points and eight rebounds, and Calvin Roland scored a season-high 12 for VCU.
The Patriots got 12 points from Smith and 10 each from Gabe Norwood and Will Thomas, but George Mason was outscored 13-2 in the final 2:22.
Perhaps fatigue became a factor. George Mason, which beat third-seeded Hofstra and No. 2 Old Dominion, was the first team in CAA tournament history to play four games in four nights.
The Patriots could still go to the NIT, and Larranaga is hoping for that chance.
"This team played this weekend like we wanted to play all season," he said.
Roland's free throw and basket pulled the Rams even at 52, but the Patriots responded as they had all game, getting a three-point play from Thomas and two free throws from Campbell after his steal and length-of-the-court drive.
Then Maynor took over.
The Rams used an 8-2 run to take a 49-47 lead with 5:22 left. Roland started it with a dunk, Fameni scored inside, Maynor scored on a drive and Jesse Pellot-Rosa scored on a putback. But once again, the Patriots answered. Norwood swished a line-drive 3-pointer from the right wing, and Thomas' basket inside gave Mason a 52-49 edge.
The Patriots scored six straight points early in the second half to open a 37-30 lead, their biggest to that point. But the Rams answered immediately, and Pellot-Rosa's rebound of his own missed jumper and layup tied it at 37 to thunderous cheers.
"We're not finished yet," Pellot-Rosa said.
