re: Virginia Tech @ (3)Duke (Senior Night at Cameron)

quote:

---

Mason has really faded down the stretch. And what is really annoying is how he is so timid on D. He tries to block 2-3 shots a game. At this point, Kelly is a better defender.

---

To be fair, Duke really isolates him down in the low post in their sets, so the defense has an easier time neutralizing him. I'm more concerned with his lack of tenacity, especially on rebounding. While his height and athleticism give him advantages, over the last several games, he hasn't been hustling and has been ball watching over and over again. Duke's guards, particularly Curry and Cook, go after lose balls with far more determination. As a result, Duke's been giving up a TON of offensive rebounds lately, and not getting any of their own. As we learned in 2010, offensive rebounding can help win championships. Mason needs to step up BIG time if Duke has a chance at the final four