Feb. 4, 2004

Box Score

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Still looking for its first road win of the season, St. Bonaventure dropped a 102-78 contest to George Washington Wednesday night, extending the Bonnies' losing streak to four.

The Bonnies trailed by only five early, 19-14, with 12:38 remaining in the first half, but the Colonials used an 11-3 run, capped by a three-point basket from T.J. Thompson, to take a 30-17 edge at the 10:13 mark. The Colonials entered the intermission with a 49-31 advantage.

"They wore us down early in the game and started shooting the game at a very high percentage," said head coach Anthony Solomon. "They didn't just settle for threes, they attacked inside as well."

In the second half, junior swingman Patrick Lottin hit a three-pointer to bring the Bonnies within 56-43 at the 15:48 mark, but again the Colonials countered with an 11-1 run over the next three minutes to take a 67-44 lead with 12:30 remaining. The Bonnies would come no closer than a 20-point deficit for the remainder of the contest.

"When you're down by a large margin like that, it's hard to stay into it," Solomon said. "Our young men attempted to even take charges during that time, which shows their effort. That's what it is all about."

The Bonnies, who never led in the game, shot 45 percent (30-67) from the field, including 36 percent (12-33) from behind the arc. The Bonnies struggled to find an inside presence, netting only 16 points in the paint to the Colonials' 44.

On the other end, the Colonials had six players score in double figures and shot 61 percent (39-59) from the field. George Washington out rebounded the Bonnies 40-24, including 12 on the offensive end, leading to 20 second-chance points.

"Their speed is exceptional at all positions," Solomon said. "They get down the floor quick and use their length to really rebound."

Sophomore guard Ahmad Smith tied a career-high 18 points on 7-10 shooting from the field. Smith also handed out a team-high six assists, three steals and zero turnovers.

"He's maturing in his second year and getting a lot of minutes," Solomon said. "It's paying off, and I look forward to coaching him the next couple years." Senior point guard Marques Green poured in a team-high 21 points to go with four assists and four steals.

"There was talk of a slump after last game, but as expected Marques came out with confidence," Solomon said. "He was aggressive and always looking for opportunities."

Lottin and junior forward Maurice Young were the only other St. Bonaventure players in double figures, netting 17 and 10 points, respectively. Lottin pulled down a team-high six rebounds.

Thompson and Ricky Lucas led the Colonials with 21 and 15 points, respectively.

The loss dropped the Bonnies to 6-13 overall and 2-6 in the Atlantic 10 Conference. George Washington improved to 12-8 overall and 6-3 in conference play.

The Bonnies return to the Reilly Center for a Saturday afternoon match-up with Temple. Tip off is scheduled for noon.