AU is struggling entering tonight’s ‘road’ contest
No matter the humble reputation of the Patriot League, American was certain that it was a better team this season. On paper it was a sure thing: nearly every player was back from a group that won ten of its final 12 games last spring, a stretch that included a conference title and a Cinderella showing in the NCAA Tournament.
But after three straight losses — punctuated by a defeat to Georgetown that was far more one-sided than its 73-49 margin indicated — the Eagles (4-4) had more to contend with than just exams over the last week and a half.
“We haven’t played the way that we wanted to,” said senior guard Garrison Carr after the loss to the Hoyas. “It’s been showing up in practices as well that we’re not running things as sharply as we should. We’re not playing as a team as well as we’re capable of, and it’s been showing up in our games.”
Against the Colonials (4-2), Eagles head coach Jeff Jones will get a chance to see if his team can make a discernible change.
“It is, I think, a critical time for us,” said Jones.
For GW, heavy player rotation continues to be a trend. But freshman point guard Tony Taylor (9.7 points, 3.0 assists per game) has been a constant, having started every contest.
“The part that [Taylor is] adjusting to is the strengths and weaknesses of his teammates,” said Colonials head coach Karl Hobbs. “At times he’s given guys the ball where he shouldn’t be, where they’re not as effective.”
Hobbs also said that Taylor often over penetrates, but that he is “coming along nicely.”
Up next » American at GW
Where » Smith Center
When » Tonight, 7:30
Radio » 1500 AM
