by Rick Gagliano | 3/24/06

Preview: (11) George Mason (25-7) vs. (7) Wichita St. (26-8)
Washington, D. C. Regional Semi-final, 7:30 p.m. ET
Favorite: George Mason -2 1/2

George Mason and Wichita State weren't supposed to get this far. One of them will move even further through the field with a win here.

The two mid-major conference teams, both champions of their respective conferences - the Shockers of the Missouri Valley and the Patriots from the Colonial Athletic Association - were supposed to have been dispatched by teams from major conferences.

But the kids from the small schools have played big. Wichita State knocked off Seton Hall handily in their opener (86-66) and then shocked Tennessee, 80-73, to get to this game.

Likewise, the George Mason Patriots used smothering defense and a patient offense to knock off Michigan State, 75-65 and North Carolina, 65-60.

For George Mason, their win over the Tar Heels was their first against a ranked team this season after losing to the likes of Wake Forest, Drexel and Hofstra (twice) during the regular season.

The same goes for Wichita State. The bested the 19th ranked Vols after losing earlier in the season to three ranked teams - Illinois, Michigan State and Northern Iowa.

The Shockers are led by center Paul Miller, guard Sean Ogirri and swingman P. J. Couisinard. In the two tourney games, Ogirri has been the most consistent, scoring 23 against Seton Hall and 12 vs. Tennessee. In the two games combined he's hit on 8 of 15 three-point attempts. Couisinard lit it up in the Tennessee game, scoring 20 points with a 4 of 4 effort from beyond the arc and 9 rebounds. Miller had 15 vs. Seton Hall and 10 against the Vols, doing much of his scoring from the free throw line.

For George Mason, balanced offense is the name of their game. Led throughout the season by seniors Jai Lewis and Tony Skinn, others have stepped up in the post-season, though all five starters average double figures. Sophomore swingman Folarin Campbell has been a human highlight reel, going 8-8 with 2 3's against Michigan State for 21 points before adding 15 against the Tar Heels.

Lamar Butler hit for 13 against the Trojans and 18 against North Carolina, while forward Will Thomas dominated inside against Michigan State with 18 points and 14 rebounds.

Both teams have players who can light it up, but the Patriots seem to hold an edge on defense, while the Shockers have depth, rotating 8 or even 9 players.

The winner moves on to play the winner of the Washington - Connecticut regional semi-final.

Half time update: George Mason 35 Wichita St. 19

The Patriots opened up a 9-0 lead in the opening three minutes on two 3-pointers by Folarin Campbell and one by Lamar Butler. George Mason stretched their advantage, hitting on 7 of 11 3's in the half and playing solid defense.

Wichita St. shot only 30% and hit just one of 11 3-pointers. Tony Skinn had 12 points for the Patriots, Campbell added 11. Nobody was in any foul trouble with only 8 called total.

Recap: George Mason 63 Wichita State 55

George mason jumped out to an early commanding lead and was never threatened, advancing to the round of eight on Sunday. Folarin Campbell led the scoring with 16 and Tony Skinn and Lamar Butler added 14 points apiece.

Wichita State shot only 30% for the entire game, and hit only 3 of 25 shots from three-point range, a testament to George Mason's defensive ability.