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George Mason vs. Davidson Prediction and Odds (Wildcats' Defense is Better Than You Think)

By Ben Heisler

Davidson's Hyunjung Lee is averaging 16.4 points along with 5.9 rebounds as Davidson sits atop the Atlantic 10 standings.
Davidson's Hyunjung Lee is averaging 16.4 points along with 5.9 rebounds as Davidson sits atop the Atlantic 10 standings. / Mitchell Layton/GettyImages
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The Davidson Wildcats host senior night at "The Belk" this evening when they host A-10 rival George Mason to wrap up their home slate of games.

Davidson holds a half-game lead on VCU for the top spot in the A-10 standings, so their two remaining games are critical for their upcoming conference tournament.

George Mason comes off a win over DC-area rival George Washington on Sunday, as Josh Oduro dropped 27 points at home. Unfortunately, they didn't cover the 10.5-point spread despite the 7-point victory.

Here are the latest odds for tonight's matchup over at WynnBET Sportsbook.

George Mason vs. Davidson Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • George Mason +7
  • Davidson -7

Moneyline:

  • George Mason +260
  • Davidson -320

Total:

  • 137 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

George Mason vs. Davidson Prediction and Pick

At first glance, taking an under in a Davidson game would cause most to do a double-take, followed by a, "Are ya sure you want to do that?"

The answer, unequivocally, is yes. I absolutely do.

Davidson has a terrific offense. They're top 14 in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency as well as top 14 in effective field goal percentage. They take smart possessions, score with ease with their top 9 three point shooting percentage, and don't turn the ball over. What more could you ask for?

How about radically improved defense?

Sure enough, the Wildcats have done just that. Over their last five games, Davidson ranks in the 100th PERCENTILE in all of college basketball in Defensive Rating via CBB Analytics. They've blown the doors off their opponents, and not against cupcake teams either, but in conference play.

George Mason will play them tough, especially inside with Oduro and D'Shawn Schwartz who are a load at 6'9, 6'7" and 235 pounds each. But Davidson is up for the challenge, also ranking in the 91st percentile in defensive rebounding. The Patriots have also struggled as of late, ranking in the 12th percentile in offensive rating.

Between Davidson's full-on commitment to outstanding defense, a must-win game at home, and George Mason's inconsistencies right now scoring the basketball, I'll back the under in a modest total.

PICK: UNDER 137 (-110)

Follow all of Ben Heisler's betting plays in real-time HERE.

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