The stage is set for an exciting NIT matchup as the George Mason Patriots prepare to face the Bradley Braves on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 2 p.m. EDT at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia. Both teams enter this second-round game with impressive records: each boasting a season total of 27 wins.
The George Mason Patriots arrive with an Atlantic 10 record of 17-4 and a non-conference record of 10-4, showcasing their competitive spirit. Under the helm of head coach Tony Skinn, now in his second year, the Patriots have fought hard to reach the NIT after a tough loss in the Atlantic 10 Championship against VCU on March 16, where they were narrowly defeated 68-63. This year marks a significant milestone for George Mason, with their 27 wins matching the program's all-time record.
In contrast, the Bradley Braves enter the tournament as a seasoned contender, currently holding a 27-8 record overall and finishing second in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) with a 17-6 mark in conference play. Head coach Brian Wardle, in his tenth year, has built a strong program that has reached 20 wins six times in the last decade. The Braves faced a setback when they lost to NCAA qualifier Drake in the MVC Tournament championship, leading them to their third consecutive appearance in the NIT.
Statistically, George Mason excels in defensive rebounds, ranking third in the A-10 with an average of 24.8 defensive boards per game, led by the talented Jalen Haynes, who contributes an impressive 5.1 rebounds per contest. On offense, the Patriots score an average of 71.3 points per game, slightly surpassing the 68.6 points that they allow to opponents. The Braves, conversely, have a high-scoring offense, averaging 76.7 points per game, while limiting their opponents to just 68.6 points.
Individual performances will play a vital role in the outcome of this game. For George Mason, Darius Maddox provides a consistent shooting threat with 1.9 made three-pointers per game, averaging 13.8 points, while shooting 35.5% from beyond the arc. Jalen Haynes has been particularly sharp over the last ten games, shooting 52.5% on the floor and averaging 18.3 points, making him a key player to watch. Overall, the Patriots have maintained a solid performance, showing a 7-3 record in their last ten games, averaging 69.0 points while allowing 66.4 points.
Bradley’s lineup features strong contributions from key players Duke Deen and Darius Hannah. Deen is averaging 13.6 points with 3.7 assists, adding valuable playmaking to the Braves' efforts. Darius Hannah has also shown up in recent performances, averaging 15.3 points over the last ten games. The Braves have been slightly better in their last ten matchups, holding an 8-2 record while averaging 70.3 points and restricting opponents to 66.1 points.
The analytics predict George Mason has an edge in this contest, with programs like KenPom projecting a close 68-62 victory for the Patriots. However, history has shown that anything can happen in the postseason, particularly in the NIT where each team strives to prove their mettle. A win for either team would provide not only a progression in the tournament but also significant boost for their respective programs moving forward.
Head coach Tony Skinn, who was a part of George Mason's epic 2006 Final Four run, has successfully cultivated a defensive-minded culture during his tenure. The Patriots hold notable national rankings, sitting second in the country for field goal defense, allowing opponents to shoot only 37.9% from the field. This strategic advantage could be pivotal against Bradley’s offense, known for its scoring prowess.
Furthermore, Bradley's coaching experience under Brian Wardle cannot be overlooked. In a decade at the helm, he has a record of 185-145, establishing a solid reputation in the MVC. With key players like Demarion Burch and Jaquan Johnson contributing crucial points, the Braves hope to leverage their familiarity with tournament pressure to secure a much-needed win.
Fans from both sides are expected to show up in full force, eager to witness this thrilling clash between two accomplished teams in the NIT. From a festive atmosphere celebrating college basketball to the tactical battles on the court, this matchup promises to be an exhilarating experience for players and fans alike.
Ultimately, the matchup between the George Mason Patriots and the Bradley Braves offers a narrative of resilience, sharp shooting, and defensive tenacity. Both teams aim not just for a win, but to etch their names further into college basketball lore as they continue their respective journeys in the National Invitational Tournament.
