George Washington forward Tyler Cavanaugh and center Kevin Larsen combined for 36 points and 18 rebounds in the win
As the saying goes, "it's not how you start but how you finish" and for GW guard Alex Mitola this phrase summed up his night perfectly. Mitola despite being 1-8 from the field and 1-5 from 3-pt range prior, with the game tied at 80, drove the ball in the final seconds of regulation an hit an off balance game winning jumper to push the Colonials into the second round of the NIT with a 82-80 win over Hofstra.
When it appeared the Colonials were going to cruise to a first round win after building a 74-63 lead at the 7 minute mark, Hofstra led by CAA Player of the Year Juan'ya Green made their run. The Pride would go on a 17-6 run over the final 6:47 to tie it at 80, which included a momentum killing 9-0 stretch. Then with 13 seconds left, Mitola brought the ball up court and came through with the clutch jumper with 2.8 seconds left to close the deal.
GW brought a balanced attack led by junior forward Tyler Cavanaugh who posted 20 points and 11 rebounds, senior center Kevin Larsen near triple double of 16 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assist and 4 steals, senior guard Patricio Garino 18 points and a solid 15 point, 3 rebound and 2 assist performance from sophomore Yuta Watanabe.
Hofstra star guard Juan'ya Green finished with a game high 26 points and 10 assist, center Rokas Gustys added 14 points and 13 rebounds and Denton Koon also added 19 points and 7 rebounds respectively.
GW advances to face top seed Monmouth in the second round of the N.I.T next Monday at 7pm. The game will be televised on ESPN.