March 16, 2010 | AP Press

WASHINGTON, DC – In his final college game, George Washington senior Damian Hollis scored his career-high 30 points but it wasn’t enough as Virginia Commonwealth ended the Colonials’ season with a 79-73 triumph in the College Basketball Invitational Tournament first round Tuesday at Charles E. Smith Center.

The loss ends the Colonials’ season with a 16-15 overall record, their first winning record since 2006-07.

VCU (23-9) had five players score in double figures led by Joey Rodriguez’s team-high 16 points. Ed Nixon and Jamie Skeen added 14 points each and Larry Sanders and Bradford Burgess each scored 10 points. The victory allows the Rams to advance to the CBI quarterfinal-round matchup with the winner of Wednesday’s Eastern Kentucky-Charleston game on Monday, Mar. 22.

A-10 All-Rookie Team member Lasan Kromah scored 18 points for the Colonials including six straight early in the second half.

The Rams took its biggest lead of the game in the first half behind a 16-1 run beginning at the 9:15 mark to open a 37-20 bulge with 5:22 left. GW twice cut the lead to nine before a three-pointer by Troy Daniels, the Rams’ 10th three-pointer of the half, gave VCU a 45-33 lead at the break.

GW began the second half with a 16-6 run behind Kromah’s six straight to cut the deficit to 51-49 at the 10:56 mark.

The Colonials outrebounded the Rams, 39-33, including an 18-13 edge on the offensive end. GW shot 43.8 percent (28-for-64) for the game including just 4-15 from long range, while the Rams shot 46.3 percent (25-for-54) with 11 three-pointers.

Hollis’s 30 points was the highest scoring effort by a Colonial since Jan. 10, 2007. The senior ends his career with 1,196 points which ranks 28th on the GW career scoring list.

AP Photo

March 7, 2009 | AP Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lavoy Allen scored 17 points and grabbed 16 rebounds to lead Temple to a 63-53 win over George Washington on Saturday night in the final regular-season game for both teams.

The Owls (19-11, 11-5 Atlantic 10 Conference) had a season-high 55 rebounds in defeating the Colonials for the first time in Washington since 2002.

George Washington (10-18, 4-12), which failed to secure a berth in the 12-team league tournament, trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half and 32-24 at the half.

Temple increased its lead to 10 points on an Allen layup with 19:28 left, and the Colonials never got within single digits again.

George Washington shot 35.2 percent from the field (19 of 54) while Temple shot 24-for-74 (32.4 percent) and 9-for-32 from 3-point range.

Damian Hollis led the Colonials with 21 points. Rob Diggs had 12 points and 10 rebounds.

AP Photo

March 4, 2009 | AP Press

AMHERST, Mass — Ricky Harris had 19 points and Tony Gaffney added 11 points, 10 rebounds, five steals and three blocked shots as Massachusetts edged George Washington, 77-62, on Wednesday. The win clinched the Minutemen (11-17, 6-9 Atlantic 10) a berth in next week’s conference tournament in Atlantic City. UMass is guaranteed the No. 11 seed in the field and will play a first round game against the No. 6 seed.

George Washington (10-17, 4-11) needs to beat Temple on Saturday and for Charlotte to beat St. Bonaventure to get in.

The Colonials led 36-33 at halftime and after an early second half surge by the Minutemen, took the lead again 50-48 on a dunk by Rob Diggs, who led George Washington with 22 points and nine rebounds.

But a 3-pointer by freshman David Gibbs’ started a 7-0 Minuteman run that gave UMass the lead to stay.

Damian Hollis added 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists for George Washington.

February 28, 2009 | AP Press

RICHMOND, Va. — Damian Hollis scored 15 points and had a career-high 16 rebounds to lead George Washington past Richmond 66-57 on Saturday night.

Travis King and Rob Diggs had 13 points each for the Colonials (10-16, 4-10 Atlantic 10 Conference). Diggs added nine rebounds.

David Gonzalvez led the Spiders (15-14, 7-7) with 18 points and Kevin Anderson added 11.

Richmond, which had won three in a row, shot a season-low 26.5 percent.

The Colonials scored nine straight points to move from a 14-14 tie to a 23-14 lead with 6:21 left in the first half. Diggs scored six of the points, starting the run with a layup and finishing it with a dunk.

Richmond cut the margin to 32-30 on Justin Harper’s 3-pointer with 17:04 left.

George Washington responded with a 9-2 run and the Spiders got no closer than five points when the Colonials had one field goal in 6:01.

AP Photo

February 25, 2009 | AP Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Damian Hollis scored seven of his 25 points in overtime and George Washington defeated Charlotte 92-88 on Wednesday night.

Hollis opened the overtime period with five straight points to give George Washington (9-16, 3-10 Atlantic 10 Conference) an 84-79 lead with 2:21 left in the game.

Hollis also sent the game into overtime, tying the game at 79 on two free throws with 21 seconds left in regulation. The 49ers (10-17, 4-9) led 78-72, before Hollis hit a 3-pointer to bring the Colonials’ deficit to 78-75 with 45 seconds to go in regulation.

Rob Diggs added 22 points, Wynton Witherspoon scored 14 and Tony Taylor had 10 for George Washington.

Charlotte was led by Rashad Coleman with 22 points. DiJuan Harris scored 15 points and had 10 rebounds, Phil Jones added 12 points and Ian Anderson and Lamont Mack tallied 10 each for the 49ers.

AP Photo

February 22, 2009 | AP Press

CINCINNATI, OH – C.J. Anderson didn’t even take a shot in the first half, when Xavier’s perimeter game was more than enough. After halftime, he went back to threading his way through defenders and scoring.

Anderson scored 14 points in the second half, leading five players in double figures, and the Musketeers (No. 17 ESPN/USA Today, No. 16 AP) rolled to a 71-53 victory Sunday that moved them back into first place in the Atlantic 10.

“That was an important game for this team,” Anderson said. “Coach [Sean] Miller wanted us as seniors to play better and set the tone. I didn’t play well in the first half, but I came back and played better in the second half.”

The Musketeers (22-5, 10-3) steadied themselves after yet another road loss and moved a half-game ahead of Dayton (No. 25 AP) for the conference lead. Ranked for the first time this season, the Flyers lost at Saint Louis 57-49 on Saturday night.

There were more immediate concerns for the Musketeers, who had lost three of their last four games, all on the road. They needed to rebuild confidence fast. George Washington (8-16, 2-10) was the perfect matchup.

Damian Hollis scored 15 points for the Colonials, who fell behind 26-8 and trailed by as many as 25 points. George Washington shot 38.6 percent from the field and had 17 turnovers.

“We wanted to get back to the basics, and we did a good job,” said B.J. Raymond, who had 12 points. “We played about 30 minutes of good defense. That’s a step in the right direction.”

Xavier plays at Saint Joseph’s on Thursday, then has a week off to prepare for its home-court rematch with Dayton, which has lost its last 23 games in Cincinnati. Xavier has won the last two regular-season titles.

The Musketeers’ recent struggles have underscored their need for a dependable point guard. Terrell Holloway has regressed lately, playing like the true freshman he is. Holloway has passed up open shots on the perimeter and repeatedly gotten shots swatted away on drives to the basket, contributing little to Xavier’s halfcourt offense.

The slump prompted Miller to make a switch at the position, moving shooting guard Dante Jackson into the role. In the last three games, Holloway had come off the bench and gone 1-for-14 from the field with two points, two assists and three turnovers.

With 7-foot reserve center Kenny Frease also limited by a sprained ankle, Xavier’s offense has taken a hit.

It didn’t much matter against George Washington, which was so focused on limiting Xavier’s bigger front line that it let the conference’s best 3-point shooters get open behind the arc. Xavier made six 3s while taking a 26-8 lead, the last one by Holloway from the right corner. Holloway finished with three points on 1-of-4 shooting and two assists.

Colonials coach Karl Hobbs stayed in his crouch, staring blankly at the opposite end of the court, while his players gathered behind him during a timeout with 10:25 left in the first half. At that point, what’s left for a coach to say? Xavier’s versatility was too much.

“They’re always going to have four guys on the court who are capable of scoring 18 to 20 points on any given night,” Hobbs said. “The thing I like about them is they all have their roles and they know what they are.”

George Washington was coming off its biggest win of the season, 90-62 over St. Bonaventure. Rob Diggs scored a season-high 26 points in that one. Playing a ranked team for the first time this season, the Colonials fell apart. Diggs went 1-for-5 with two points and four fouls.

February 19, 2009 | AP Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rob Diggs scored 26 points, and was one of five George Washington players in double figures in a 90-62 rout of St. Bonaventure on Thursday night.

Joseph Katuka added 13 points, Travis King and Damian Hollis had 12 apiece and Wynton Witherspoon chipped in with 10 for the Colonials (8-15, 2-9 Atlantic 10 Conference).

Michael Davenport led the Bonnies (13-12, 4-8) with 16 points and Malcolm Eleby added 11.

The Colonials opened the game on a 25-7 run, cruising to a 47-28 halftime lead. They put it away in the second, outscoring the Bonnies 43-34.

GW hit 10 of 12 from beyond the arc and 14 of 16 from the foul line in the win. The Bonnies were just 5 of 20 from 3-point range, while going 5-for-10 on free throws.

The Colonials have won two of their last four games after dropping 11 straight before this current streak.

Charlie Coley throws down a monstrous dunk against GW.

February 14, 2009 by Jordan Keyser | A10 CollegeHoops

CHARLOTTE, NC – It may have been Valentine’s Day, but the GW Colonials certainly didn’t feel the love. The 49ers were dominant on both sides of the ball, delivering a beat down worthy of homecoming weekend.

With this win, Charlotte (9-15, 3-7 A-10) is now back in the hunt to make the A-10 tournament in Atlantic City.

The Colonials (7-15, 1-9 A-10) have now lost 14 out of 15 games and their hopes of making the conference tournament are grave at best.

Charlotte dominated from the start, sparked by Lamont Mack’s 8 points in the opening minutes. George Washington shot an abysmal 30% from the floor in the first half, and managed to score only 17 points. Mack continued to dominate in A-10 play, scoreing 14 in the half and led the Niners into the locker room with a 20 point advantage. He ended the game with 23 points and 5 rebounds.

Dijuan Harris continues to be a great court general for Charlotte, delivering a career-high 15 assists while committing just 1 turnover. Harris has produced double-digit assist games in 4 out of his last 5 contests and is leading the conference in assist/turnover ratio for the second straight season. Despite his great individual performance, Harris remained focused on the team and their aspirations to make it to Atlantic City for the A-10 Conference tournament.

“It was very important for us to make a push late in the season like this. We want to play in the (A-10) tournament,” said Charlotte’s Harris.

Harris had a career-high 15 assists.

Coach Bobby Lutz was slightly more nonchalant regarding his teams postseason chances:

“I don’t talk about those kinds of things with the team, but obviously we needed to win this game (to make the tournament.) I was really pleased with the way we played today. I know George Washington’s record isn’t great, but they’ve played some good teams close. We got out to a good start and built off that.”

Lutz also beamed with A-10 pride with his comment regarding the 49ers upcoming game against 9th ranked Xavier:

“They’re a great basketball team and they’ve lost a few games in our conference, but that’s because we play in a great conference. We’re rated the 8^th best league, but we’re better than the SEC this year, I don’t think there’s any doubt about it.”

There weren’t many bright spots for the Colonials, but despite the poor performance, all 10 players scored for GW, led by Damian Hollis’ 13 points and 8 boards.

Charlotte hosts 9th ranked Xavier on Thursday. Former 49er star Eddie Basden will become only the 8th player in Charlotte history to have his jersey retired.

The Colonials host St. Bonaventure on February 19th and hope to somehow salvage their season.

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Sunday, November 2, 2008 by WH | A10CollegeHoops Contributor

The sophomore class is the only one for which we have evidence of the future trajectory of the league since none of the freshmen have played yet. What follows are quick impressions and a Who’s Who among the A-10’s second-year players.

STARS AND POTENTIAL STARS

An’Juan Wilderness, Charlotte 49ers

Rugged 6-6 forward can score off the bounce and is a good defender and rebounder, especially on the offensive glass. If he can hone his outside jumper, he could be a terrific player.

Chris Wright, Dayton Flyers

The best athlete in the league, Wright is good enough to contend for a spot on the A-10 First Team. Scores inside, rebounds, blocks shots. He’s a pretty good ball-handler and can take defenders off the dribble. With a consistent outside jumper, Wright is an NBA First Round pick.

Damian Saunders, Duquesne Dukes

Saunders can be a force at both ends. He’s a better shooter than advertised and he uses his great athleticism to score, rebound and block shots.

Jerrell Williams, LaSalle Explorers

The 6-8 forward is a tremendous rebounder and he knows how to score inside. Williams is also very quick and can take defenders off the dribble. Like Wilderness, he’s a reliable jumpshot and away from future stardom.

Anthony Gurley, Massachusetts Minutemen

Bigtime recruit transferred from Wake Forest to be closer to home, not because he wasn’t getting any time (He was). Gurley is a tremendous athlete with a quick first step and deep range.

Delroy James, Rhode Island Rams

Brother of Sean James has the full package of inside and outside skills. He could be URI’s next great player if he stays focused in the classroom and plays with poise and intelligence.

Kevin Anderson, Richmond Spiders

He might be the second best point guard in the A-10 in just his second year. Anderson is almost impossible to stop off the dribble by any one defender and his outside shot has improved.

Justin Harper, Richmond Spiders

He’s 6-9, highly athletic and a fine 3-point shooter. Harper has to learn how to score inside and use his length more effectively as a defender, but he just oozes potential.

Lavoy Allen, Temple Owls

Allen is arguably the second best bigman in the A-10 right now. He’s a tremendous passer and rapidly improving low-post scorer. He needs to learn to play with more aggressiveness on offense but with more discipline on defense.

Dante Jackson, Xavier Musketeers

The 6-5 guard is quick and rangy and has All-Conference defensive potential. He’s also a decent ball-handler and shooter and could be a terrific offensive player by his senior year if he continues to improve.

THE NEXT RUNG ON THE LADDER

Phil Jones, Charlotte 49ers

The 6-10 center disappointed as a freshman, but he has great size, soft hands and nice shooting touch. Jones can be as good as he wants to be, but he has to show more urgency.

Devin Searcy, Dayton Flyers

Searcy didn’t play a lot as a freshman, but he showed great energy and a nose for the ball. He runs like a deer and is very long. All he needs is more meat on his bones and some steady coaching to become a good two-way player.

Bill Clark, Duquesne Dukes

The smart 6-6 forward is not a great athlete like his teammate Saunders, but he’s a superb rebounder for his size and a very good outside shooter despite a below-average percentage as a freshman. Clark is unlikely to become a star, but he’ll make the stars on his team better.

Mike Moore, Fordham Rams

Rangy 6-5- guard played great early as a freshman before fading. Moore doesn’t stand out on the court, but he’s a good ball-handler and shooter who can drive to the hoop or drain the trey. His lengths suggest above-average defensive potential as well.

Xavier Alexander, George Washington Colonials

Strong 6-6 forward struggled offensively as a frosh – he’s not a good outside shooter and had trouble finishing. Alexander should become a decent scorer in time, but he’s the ultimate lunch-pail guy, a player who rebounds and defends. He has Defensive Player of the Year potential.

Matt Glass, Massachusetts Minutemen

The 6-7 Glass is a tremendous shooter, somewhat like a more athletic version of former St. Joe’s star Pat Carroll. He is supbar defensively and on the boards, but he will stretch defenses.

Kevin Smith, Richmond Spiders

He doesn’t look like a superb athlete, but that’s exactly what Smith is. He’s very quick and explodes to the rim for spectacular dunks. Richmond coach Chris Mooney calls him a glue guy – a player who defends, rebounds, passes and makes the hustle plays. Smith has shown some range on his jumper, if not consistency. He’s a star if he addresses that problem.

Idris Hilliard, St. Joseph’s Hawks

Coming-out party takes place this season. Hilliard is very quick and strong for a 6-6 forward and he knows how to score inside. He’s a pretty good dribbler as well and should be able take defenders off the bounce.

Jamel McClean, Xavier Musketeers

Powerfully built 235-pound Tulsa transfer is a tremendous athlete who rebounds and blocks shots. He’s not as dangerous offensively as teammates CJ Anderson and Derrick Brown, but he could become a double-digit scorer after his older teammates move on.