News Summary
Old Dominion University has announced a three-game basketball series with George Mason University, set to ignite the longstanding rivalry between the two teams. The series will provide ODU with a chance to strengthen its non-conference schedule as they face a competitive GMU, known for its consistency in collegiate basketball. These matchups are anticipated to enhance the excitement among fans and players alike as they celebrate this historical rivalry that dates back to their time in the Colonial Athletic Association.
Norfolk, Virginia — Old Dominion University (ODU) has announced a three-game series with George Mason University (GMU) that will take place over the next three seasons, adding excitement and competitive spirit to the Monarchs’ non-conference basketball schedule.
The series will commence on Sunday, December 13, 2025, when ODU travels to Fairfax, Virginia, to play against the Patriots. Following this matchup, ODU will host GMU in 2027 after playing a return game in Fairfax in 2026. This planned set of games has been met with enthusiasm from Old Dominion’s head men’s basketball coach, Mike Jones, highlighting the historical significance of this rivalry.
The enduring rivalry between ODU and GMU traces back to their time in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), where the teams developed a competitive bond. Both teams have faced off in a total of 60 games from 1978 to 2022, with ODU recording 38 victories compared to GMU’s 22. In recent encounters, ODU has maintained a favorable position, winning four of the last five matchups, including the most recent game on December 21, 2022, which ended in a nail-biting 78-77 victory for the Monarchs.
The addition of this series with George Mason presents an opportunity for ODU to prepare more rigorously for their upcoming Sun Belt Conference (SBC) season. George Mason has established itself as a consistent contender in collegiate basketball under the guidance of Coach Skinn, posing a formidable challenge for the Monarchs. This competitive series aligns with ODU’s goals of strengthening their non-conference schedule while fostering in-state rivalries that resonate with fans.
The rivalry adds excitement not just on the court but also among the supporters of both institutions. Fans will have the chance to watch their teams face off in games that are not only competitive but steeped in tradition and history. This connection harkens back to when both schools were part of the CAA, generating a following that remains strong today.
The scheduling of these games reflects ODU’s strategic approach to building a robust basketball program and injecting fresh energy into their game lineup. With every season, the anticipation grows as these teams gear up to face each other, allowing players to leave a lasting impression on their college basketball careers.
The series serves as a reminder that rivalries can thrive even as teams transition to different conferences. As ODU continues to navigate its path within the SBC, matchups like these against George Mason will play a crucial role in challenging their capabilities and preparing them for the fixtures that lie ahead.
In summary, the upcoming three-game series between Old Dominion and George Mason stands out as a significant addition to the basketball landscape in Virginia. By nurturing historical rivalries and acknowledging the strength of their opponents, both ODU and GMU aim to engage their fan bases and improve their respective programs through competitive gameplay. Fans can look forward to these upcoming games with enthusiasm, as they are sure to bring excitement, intensity, and a sense of tradition back to the basketball courts.
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- George Mason University News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: George Mason University
- Old Dominion University News
- Google Search: Old Dominion University basketball
- Virginia Mercury
- Google Scholar: George Mason Old Dominion rivalry
- BCSNN
- Google News: George Mason Old Dominion basketball
- WTOP News
