George Washington University Athletics
George Washington University
PROVIDENCE
Men's Basketball Falls to Providence, 110-97, in Shootout
12/9/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 9, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC -- The George Washington men's basketball team concluded a five-game homestand with a 110-97 loss to Providence in a wild shootout Wednesday night at Charles E. Smith Center. The Colonials' season-high 97 points was overshadowed by the Friars' record-breaking long range shooting.
The Friars' 110 points was the most scored by an opponent at the 35-year-old Smith Center. Much of Providence's points came from beyond the arc as the Friars poured in a Smith Center-record 16 three-pointers, 10 of which came in the first half. Both teams combined for 24 threes in the game. PC's long-range shooting shattered the previous Smith Center record for most three-pointers by an opponent (13) set by Temple in 2002.
GW (6-2) got a pair of 20-point games from freshman Lasan Kromah who led all players with 22 points on 9-16 FGs, while Damian Hollis added 21 points on 7-14 shooting from the field. Sophomore Tony Taylor matched his career-high with nine assists
Providence (7-3) had six players in double figures led by junior Marshon Brooks' team-high 19 points, 10 in the second half. Jamine Peterson and Bilal Dixon added 18 each while Brian McKenzie contributed 16 points of 5-6 shooting.
Providence was red hot in the first half hitting 58.8 percent (20-for-34) of their shots including a blistering 62.5 percent (10-16) from three-point range. The Friars took a 58-46 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Providence led by as much as 16 three times in the second half, the last coming at the 12:22 mark, before the Colonials got to within nine (87-78) on a Joseph Katuka layup at the 6:27 mark but the Friars responded with a 7-1 run over the next 1:24 to push the lead back to 15 (94-79) with 5:03 left. The Colonials cut the deficit to nine on five more occasions but could get no closer as the Friars converted 5-of-7 free throws down the stretch to keep the Colonials at arm's length.
"Nine turnovers in this type of a game is major," Hobbs said. "We tried to press these guys, but they moved the ball so well. Our pressure is predicated on the opposing team not being able to make the long three and that's what they do best. We made some adjustments, and I thought they adjusted very well. I can't say enough about [Providence]. They're fun to watch. It was a fabulous game."
The Colonials shot 46.9 percent (38-81) from the field and matched the Friars on the boards, 42-42, including an 24-16 advantage for the Colonials on the offensive glass.
Freshmen Bryan Bynes (5 points, 5 assists) and David Pellom (7 points, 4 rebounds) were both back in the lineup after serving a one-game suspension for last Sunday's Navy game due to violation of team rules.
GW (6-2) next plays the first of four straight road games beginning in Baltimore Saturday where the Colonials will face Towson (2-4) in a 4 p.m. contest. The GW-Towson game will be broadcast live on 1050 AM and online at FederalNewsRadio.com.
