BROOKLYN-After lighting up St. Joe’s from three in the first 20 minutes, George Washington fell victim to an outstanding comeback from the Hawks and was outscored 51-31 in the second half. While six players scored in double-figures for the Colonials, they were unable to get stops on the defensive end, and faltered on the offensive side once the Hawks switched to the zone. While SJU advances to the A-10 tourney semifinals, GW is done in Brooklyn and with that any chance of making the NCAA tournament.
Colonials’ head coach Mike Lonergan was not bashful when discussing this painful setback.
“It was kind of a heartbreaking loss,” he said in the postgame presser. “They exposed us defensively [in the second half]. I’m hoping that our experience can pay off in whatever postseason tournament we’re in. I feel like crying right now.”
Obviously, this is a painful one to lose for GW. They entered halftime with a 49-35 lead and were shooting 11-16 from three-point range. Still, it looks as if they Colonial seniors will get one last shot at the postseason. Previously on the NCAA tournament bubble, they will now get a high seed in the NIT where they will begin their road to Madison Square Garden.
“The tougher team won,” said Lonergan.
Unfortunately for GW, that statement is true. We’ll see if they can make some noise as they try to bounce back in the NIT.
