GW's senior point guard Joe McDonald shoots a fading runner over Cincinnati center Octavious Ellis
In a physical, defensive battle, where there were 12 lead changes and 11 ties, George Washington (6-1) would fall for the first time this season to No. 24 Cincinnati (7-0), 61-56 in the 2015 Barclays Center Classic Championship. While GW continued their outstanding shooting, knocking down 11 of 22 from deep led by Patricio Garino's 3 of 4 shooting, Cincinnati behind the inside play of MVP Octavious Ellis (9 points & 7 rebounds) and Gary Clark (6 points & 11 rebounds) would prove to be too much late in the game.
Garino, who was outstanding all tournament long would finish with 15 points (6-12 FG) and 4 rebounds while junior forward Tyler Cavanaugh was also impressive during the tournament adding 13 points and 6 rebounds. Both Garino and Cavanaugh were named to the All-Tournament team following the event. Coming out of the half where GW led 30-27, the game became a back an forth affair for most of the second half, with neither team able to pull away comfortably, until Cincinnati junior guard Troy Caupain (16 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assist, 2 steals) converted a three-point play to break a 54 all tie with a little over a minute left. GW would answer to make it a 57-56 game with under a minute to go. Cincinnati would hold the ball forcing GW to foul and Octavious Ellis as well as Troy Caupain would hit clutch free throws down the stretch to finish things for good.
GW will look to get back on the winning track this upcoming Wednesday as they host Seton Hall.
Cincinnatti junior guard Troy Caupain shot 4 for 4 from the free throw line in the last minute to seal the game for the Bearcats
Tyler Cavanaugh posted a solid 13 points and 6 rebounds in the loss
Cincinnati celebrates after winning the 2015 Barclays Center Classic