By Cardell Dudley
The atmosphere was electric to say the least in what was arguably the game of the season in the A-10 as GW played host to No. 20 VCU. VCU (19-6,9-3) led by Melvin Johnson 17 points ( 5-8 3-FG) became rude guest, as they defeated GW (17-8,7-5) 79-66 snapping GW's home game winning streak at 12. GW's junior guard Patricio Garino finished with a game high 22 points (8-13 FG) including a career high three 3- pointers to pace GW, however at the end it wasn't enough. In a game that featured seven ties and three lead changes in the first half of an expected back and forth affair that included a 38 - all tie at the half, VCU would blow the game open with an 18-5 run in the second half and would never look back despite brief runs from GW. Along with Garino, fellow GW juniors Joe McDonald finished with 12 points and eight rebounds while Kethan Savage added 11 points. VCU had a balanced scoring attack as back-up sophomore guard Doug Brooks scored 14 points on a career high four 3-pointers and grabbed seven rebounds while Treveon Graham, Mo Allie Cox and JeQuan Lewis all scored 10 points. The loss drops GW to sixth place in the Atlantic 10 standings with six games remaining. GW will host fifth place Davidson (17-6, 8-4) on Wednesday at 7pm.
GW junior guard Kethan Savage attacking the basket
GW junior point guard Joe McDonald looking to make a play against the fierce defense of VCU sophomore point guard JeQuan lewis
VCU Head Coach Shaka Smart
GW Head Coach Mike Lonergan coaching up freshman guard Darian Bryant