Dukes snap Patriots’ home win streak
December 22, 2011 · 0 Comments
by Cody Norman
Mason 64, Duquesne 75
After leading by 27 points on March 16, 2010, the Fairfield Stags clawed their way back into the game and torched the Mason Patriots, notching the largest comeback by any Division I team in NCAA postseason history.
On Wednesday night, 645 days after that loss to Fairfield in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament, the Patriots entered the Patriot Center with an opportunity to write their names into the record books. They had an opportunity to tally the longest win streak in the building’s history and extend their winning streak to 19 games.
“Disappointed,” Coach Paul Hewitt said. “We had a chance to set the record for the building, so I’m disappointed we didn’t achieve that.”
The night was highlighted by the return of suspended guard Andre Cornelius and Dr. Michael Nickens, leader of the Green Machine, who was on a sabbatical during the first semester.
Their much anticipated return, however, was marred by the Duquesne Dukes, who took control early in the ballgame and spoiled the party, handing Mason a 75-64 loss.
“We got off to a good start in terms of offensive execution in the first three or four minutes in the game,” Hewitt said. “But they were much more aggressive, much more alert.”
The Patriots began the game clicking on the offensive end, getting open looks and knocking down a couple of easy baskets on their way to a two-point advantage with 17:32 to go in the first half. But that was the last lead they held.
Cornelius contributed a strong performance to begin his season, picking up steam late in the game on his way to an 11-point and three steal effort.
Postgame Press Conference – Paul Hewitt
Postgame Press Conference – Andre Cornelius & Mike Morrison
Gallery – Duquesne 75. Mason 64
“It felt good to get back. It felt good to have the fans root for me when I came in the game,” Cornelius said.
Despite Mason’s struggles to hold on to the basketball, Cornelius turned the ball over just one time while handing out one assist while playing a majority of the game as an off-guard.
“His experience helped him coming back from a long layoff like that,” Hewitt said. “He did some of the things we expect from him. I thought he played very, very well.”
Point guards Bryon Allen and Corey Edwards turned in a combined seven assists and 10 turnovers for the Patriots, who turned the ball over 22 times on the night.
“We talked about goals we set for turnovers and transition baskets,” Hewitt said. “We thought if we could reach those goals, we’d give ourselves a chance to win. We didn’t come close to achieving those goals.”
Though it was a rather frustrating performance for Ryan Pearson, the senior forward still managed 13 points and nine rebounds. His frontcourt counterpart, Mike Morrison, posted six points and seven rebounds for the Patriots.
“I think we were a little rusty,” Morrison said. “I don’t think it was the time off because we’ve been doing a lot of practicing. It was just one of those days.”
The loss wipes the slate clean for Mason, resetting the winning streak to zero heading into Friday’s matchup against the Manhattan Jaspers.
“We’re definitely ready to come out and play the next game, get a win,” Morrison said. “It’s not a good feeling.”
