Providence 110, George Washington 97
The recently renovated Smith Center at George Washington features a slew of fancy new amenities.
But the building still isn’t meant to host a track meet, which is what happened on Wednesday as the Colonials were at a full sprint for 40 minutes but didn’t have enough gears to stay with Providence in an immensely entertaining 110-97 defeat in front of 3,015.
With a 16 three-pointers, the most ever by a George Washington opponent at Smith Center, it was all too easy for the Friars (7-3) to also eclipse the most points scored by a visiting team.
It was also the most points the Colonials (6-2) had given up in any loss since 1977 (at Rutgers, 112-90) and the most in a home loss since 1971 (vs. Maryland, 117-96), but one couldn’t tell by looking at GW head coach Karl Hobbs.
“The encouraging part for us, they needed to have an outstanding game tonight to win,” said Hobbs. “We just needed for two guys to not play so well. I think it’s a great deal of credit for them. When you look at our team, oh, I’m so excited about our team. I really am. I’m just hoping that we can continue to play the way played today.”
But it was Providence that hit its first four 3-pointers and had ten by halftime – two more than its season average of eight per contest – and never trailed after a 21-21 tie early in the first half.
“I had an idea, but I didn’t know it was going to be like that,” said Colonials senior Damian Hollis (21 points) of the game’s lightning quick pace. “I didn’t know they were going to shoot the amazing percentage they did. I don’t know what they shot, but it was just ridiculous.”
Providence’s five starters each had between 16 and 19 points, with Marshon Brooks leading the way. Jamine Peterson posted a double-double (18 points, 12 rebounds), and Sharaud Curry scored the least but had a career-high 13 assists – yet another Smith Center record for an opponent.
After trailing by 12 at the break, the Colonials cut the lead back to single digits five times in the final seven minutes, twice on threes by Lasan Kromah (team-high 22 points). But Providence never panicked, hitting 13 of 16 free throw attempts down the stretch.
“[George Washington] pushed the ball as hard as any team we’ve played in my time in Providence, in a year and a half,” said Friars head coach Keno Davis. “They get up and down, and they’re going to be a tough team to match up with this year.”
