George Washington put on a show at the Charles E. Smith Center, dismantling Loyola Chicago 101-66 in a non-conference matchup. The Colonials' high-powered offense was on full display, with Garrett Johnson pacing the team with 18 points. Johnson was one of three George Washington players to score in double figures, as Trey Autry added 17 points and Rafael Castro chipped in with 14 points and 14 rebounds.
The game was essentially over by halftime, with George Washington taking a 60-39 lead into the break. The Colonials' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Johnson and Autry combining for 25 points in the first half. Loyola Chicago, on the other hand, struggled to find its rhythm, with Joshua Ola-Joseph's 12 first-half points serving as a rare bright spot.
Ola-Joseph would go on to finish with a game-high 20 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Colonials' balanced attack. George Washington's defense also played a key role, holding Loyola Chicago to just 27 points in the second half. The Ramblers' offense, which had shown flashes of brilliance in the first half, was unable to sustain any momentum after the break.
As the final score would indicate, this was a thorough domination by George Washington. The Colonials outshot Loyola Chicago from the field, outrebounded them, and outplayed them in nearly every facet of the game. It was a performance that will certainly boost George Washington's confidence as it heads into the second half of its schedule.
The loss drops Loyola Chicago to 5-16 on the season, and it's clear that the Ramblers still have a long way to go. Despite Ola-Joseph's strong performance, Loyola Chicago was unable to muster up enough offense to keep pace with the high-flying Colonials.
In terms of tournament implications, this result won't do much to boost either team's resume. For George Washington, this was a Quadrant 4 win, which won't carry much weight when it comes to Selection Sunday. For Loyola Chicago, this was a Quadrant 1 loss, but given the Ramblers' struggles this season, it's unlikely to have a significant impact on their already slim tournament chances.
As it stands, George Washington's 13-8 record is a reflection of the team's resilience and determination. While this win may not have been a significant upset, it's a reminder that the Colonials are a force to be reckoned with in the world of college basketball. As for Loyola Chicago, the Ramblers want to regroup and refocus as they try to turn their season around. For now, though, it's back to the drawing board for a team that's still searching for its identity.