City of Basketball Love

Maddy Pryor (@maddyyypryor)
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The trip to the Smith Center was the first real test for Penn State, as George Washington came in with seven wins, including a significant win against No. 6 Virginia on Nov. 16. The Nittany Lions were unable to get out of a deep hole as George Washington led by as many as 18 points in the second half and came away with the 76-66 win.

At First…
Each team traded 3-pointers, and, in turn, the lead throughout the first few minutes of the game; that is, until George Washington went on a 10-2 run, and then a 13-2 run later on. The Colonials led by as much as 10, but 3-pointers from Penn State freshman forward Davis Zemgulis and senior forward Donovon Jack kept things close for the Nittany Lions. The Colonials led 40-33 at the half, going 52 percent from the field and 50 percent from behind the arc.

Turning Point…
Within the first two minutes of the second half, the Colonials’ junior forward Tyler Cavanaugh added seven points as George Washington increased its lead to 16 before the first media timeout. This would be the last lead change as Penn State eventually came within nine points but was unable to make the comeback.

Shining Stars…
In the first half, George Washington sophomore forward Yuta Watanabe went 5-for-6 from the field, including four 3-pointers, that resulted in 14 points, his season high. It was his teammate Cavanaugh, though, that made the difference in contributing 18 points and grabbing seven rebounds.

Once again, sophomore guard Shep Garner led the way for Penn State with 22 points while senior forward Brandon Taylor showed off his inside game, adding 15 points and six rebounds.

Noteworthy Numbers…
2: Penn State was able to contain GW senior Patricio Garrino, averaging 16.3 points per game, and hold him to just two points throughout the game, in addition to his two rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Up Next…
Penn State (5-3) vs. Canisius (3-4) (12/10, 7 p.m.)
George Washington (8-1) vs. Rutgers (3-5) (12/12, 4:30 p.m.)