Joe McDonald (22) defends against Michael Alvarado |
The George Washington Colonials won back-to-back games for the first time this season, defeating Manhattan 67-55 in the opening game of the 18th annual BB&T Classic at Verizon Center. Senior Isaiah Armwood had a career game, scoring 23 points on 8-12 shooting from the field (7-7 FTs) to go along with nine rebounds and six blocks. Lasan Kromah added 18 points as GW improved to 4-3 on the season.
GW won despite 23 turnovers, including six (in just 12 minutes) by starting point guard Joe McDonald. The Colonials held Manhattan (2-4) to 25% shooting in the second half, breaking a 32-32 tie at halftime. In perhaps the game's most telling statistic, GW shot an incredible 24-29 from the free throw line (82.8%) 82%? Perhaps the Verizon Center will let us borrow their baskets to use at Smith Center?
The Colonials also held Jaspers' leading scorer George Beamon (19.3 entering the game) to just nine points on 3-13 shooting. Yesterday's battle was a rough affair with 43 total fouls called: Three players from Manhattan fouled out, while freshman Kethan Savage took a DQ for GW. George Washington travels to Peoria, Illinois to battle Bradley (5-2) on Monday, before returning home to host Kansas State (6-1) on Saturday. Both upcoming opponents recently lost to #3 Michigan (K-State 71-57 on 11/23 and Bradley yesterday 74-66.)
Click here for yesterday's box score.