It would take a major upset for No. 8 George Mason to take down No. 1 Ohio State on Sunday afternoon. The task became that much tougher with the news that one of their top starters, sophomore forward Luke Hancock, has yet to arrive at the arena and is sick in his hotel room with the flu. Hancock had 18 points and the game-winner in George Mason’s first round win over Villanova.
Gus Johnson announced before the game began on CBS that Hancock has been feeling under the weather, and despite team doctors working him with IV treatment the sophomore wasn’t feeling well enough to show up for the start of the game. Doctors are still with Hancock at the hotel, and the team has not ruled out the possibility of him showing up for the second half.
This could be a huge blow for the Patriots who will need all the help they can get against the best team in the country. Hancock averages more than 10 points, four assists, and four rebounds per game. Ohio State loves to get up and down the floor, and depth will be important for George Mason. Having one less big body down low to stop Jared Sullinger could also come into play.
On the flip side, all the stars are aligned for an earth-shattering upset. The fact that Gus Johnson is calling the game paves the way , but wouldn’t it be something if Hancock showed up at halftime and lit it up in the second half, leading George Mason to the win? Stay tuned.
UPDATE: Ohio State won 98-66 and Hancock did not play.
