Homecoming, Bracketbusters, and the CAA tournament

I am sure I am not the only one who, from a basketball sense, isn't too excited about Saturday's game against College of Charleston. The homecoming tailgating, drinking for 8 hours and being in a sell-out crowd at the Patriot Center are things I am looking forward to but now after how this season has unfolded we have a basically meaningless game right in the middle of an important stretch run to the conference tournament. Maybe it is just the fact that ESPN Bracketbusters could be so much more, like involving the BCS conferences. Yeah that won't happen. However, I love the fact that the Patriots get another ESPN2 game, that does wonders for recruiting, but how exactly will Mason approach this game? Charleston isn't going to be considered for an at-large either but they are 1st in their conference and want to keep their winning streak going. Will Patriots rest certain guys, like Ryan Pearson with the banged up thumb and probably Rashad Whack who has not returned since dislocated his shoulder? The game notes show Cornelius, Long, Tate, Pearson, and "TBA". Kevin Foster and Louis Birdsong will most likely fill this "TBA" and get a lot of minutes in this one while Luke Hancock will probably also get around 30 minutes. But if they limit guys like Pearson they will not be left with much on the bench and I don't think you want your best guys to not be fresh with two CAA remaining they will determine whether or not they are playing a Friday game in the conference tournament. I am curious to see Larranaga's strategy in this one.

The Patriots enter this game having lost four of their last five while Charleston has won five of their last six. The Cougars are a very similar team to William & Mary, they shoot the ball very well and don't commit many turnovers. At times they can be deadly from behind the three-point line, currently they are ranked third in the nation in three-pointers made. Their star player Andrew Goudelock has been shooting about 40% from there on the year and they have two other players shooting over 38%. As a team they average over 25 three-point attempts a game, so once again the Patriots weak perimeter defense will be put to the test. Mason is a slightly better rebounding team believe it or not and does a better job getting to the free-throw line. If they can take advantage in those two areas and weather the early storm of three-pointers they can win this one.

ESPN broadcasters will gush over the head coaches relationship, they go way back, so be prepared if your watching this one from home.