Here's why Mason wins:

1). Lit favors MC by 3.3; Lex Herald favors MC by 1.8;

2). MC avgs 6'2" to Augusta's 5'11 3/4 producing a 10th Region best and one of states highest 37.1 rebounds per game. MC starts two 6'6" players with a 6'8" back-up to Augusta's tallest 6'2".

3). One of states top PGs and shutdown defenders in A. Williams.

4). Survived tough road to finals with upsets of Tourney #1 Campbell Co. and #2 Paris.

5). History of multiple state championships, numerous Regional Championships followed by trips to Rupp.

6). Deeper bench and superior overall athleticism at every position.

7). Pure eye test says this will be a Mason blowout.

 

Here's why Augusta wins:

1). Senior leadership and experience together for 6 years, makes them very tough at crunch time.

2). Heart, effort on every play, will fight every team to the end.

3). Very intelligent ball control and outstanding team FT shooters at 75.1% on the season.

4). Very good shooters with team avg. FGs >50%, and 3's >40%.

5). Unselfish with TEAM first, makes it tough for defenders to shut all 5 guards down.

6). Maher favors Panthers by 1.6 and BGP had 10th Regional rankings with Augusta 3 to Mason's 5.

7). Panthers believe they can knock off Goliath one more time.

 

The caravan from the River to Rupp goes through Mason Co. Augusta by a 63-61 margin that leaves a full house exhausted by a Classic victory for all those small town teams that can only dream of experiencing a season like this.

Edited March 8, 201610 yr by Oldercoach
Typo

I agree with @mcpapa the chance for Augusta to play at Rupp will be too much for Mason to overcome should they fall behind.

I've been criticized a lot this season for not giving Augusta "no love" and to be honest its true I have not. Last night what I saw from the Panthers was a basketball clinic in ball movement and offensive execution. These kids have done nothing but win the past 5 years.

 

Mason Co has been up and down this season and right now they are playing good ball. Pig has really impressed and will not go down without a fight. This tam could have easily folded up after the district loss, but they persevered, and bounced back to be in the biggest game of their careers to this point.

 

Its bittersweet for this Polar Bear to watch our district rivals battle for a region title, but at the same time very rewarding to see the 39th district be this successful in March.

 

As for a prediction Ill go with the Augusta Panthers by 6. No OT's Augusta gets up big early but Mason fight back to get it close in the second half, but the Panthers use their spread offense to get to the rim and convert free throws down the stretch to win the 10th and for the 1st time in school history represent the 39th district and 10th region at Rupp Arena at the sweet 16.

 

Man that was hard to type :lol2:

 

Just as I say that I wouldn't be surprised to see Mason Co win either.

It could be argued that Mason co had the best team at 27-3 last year and at 21-6 in 2014 and playing good ball at the end of the season and did not make the finals either year. Sometimes the best team does not win. MoCo had the best team in 2014 and Mason in 2015. Augusta played the best ball tonight. Can the do it on back to back nights?

 

No doubt, you can find teams that may have been the favorite that didn't win for whatever reason. Its just that everyone has it in their head that Mason Co has this competitive advantage when they are playing at home, and while that might be true in certain cases...more often than not, home court advantage isnt the determining factor in winning a region.

This team is the best there is, best there was, and the best there ever will be for Augusta. Truly a great era in basketball for the Panthers. I'm on team David tonight by 3.

It could be argued that Mason co had the best team at 27-3 last year and at 21-6 in 2014 and playing good ball at the end of the season and did not make the finals either year. Sometimes the best team does not win. MoCo had the best team in 2014 and Mason in 2015. Augusta played the best ball tonight. Can the do it on back to back nights?

 

This. Agree 100%. On any given night the best team can be knocked off. Campbell Co and Paris by many were the two favorites to win it all and they are not in the finals this year.

I'd love to see the Panthers get to Rupp Arena. Pig needs to stay off Twitter until the business is handled.

Where is coach Ruthatz when you need him?

Where is coach Ruthatz when you need him?

They got back on twitter earlier than expected

What time does the game start tonight?

7:00. Doors open at 5:45, I believe.

They got back on twitter earlier than expected

 

Well done!

Mason has been great, but Augusta has momentum at the right time.

 

Still, Mason by 4.

I'll be heading to the gym at 5:30. Nice 4.5 minute drive from my front door.

 

I'll save you mason co folks 2250 seats.