NIT Quarterfinals Recap: George Washington defeats Florida 82-77

"THIS IS OUR HOUSE" was the chant coming from the Colonial Army as the "home" Florida Gators lost to George Washington 82-77 Wednesday night.

Fans got a bit of a different look in Foggy Bottom tonight as the George Washington Colonials were rocking blue for their road game on their home court. Confused? If you haven't heard the second-seeded Florida Gators had to play their third straight road game in the NIT due to arena renovations in Gainesville.

Mike Lonergan has launched his Colonials to their first-ever trip to the NIT semifinals and will have a date in Madison Square Garden against Georgia Tech or San Diego State next week.

Tyler Cavanaugh continued his impressive week and NIT performance to lead the Colonials with 23 points and five rebounds. Fellow big man Kevin Larsen added a double-double with 19 points and 13 boards. Patricio Garino was the only other Colonial in double-figures with 13 points.

The game was close throughout and the Gators even took a 72-71 lead with 3:41 to play but foul trouble eventually did in Michael White's inaugural season in the Swamp. Both Dorian Finney-Smith and Devin Robinson fouled out for the Gators. KeVaughn Allen led Florida in scoring with 22 points.

George Washington moves to 26-10 for the year and will join fellow mid-majors Valparaiso and BYU in New York City. The NIT semifinals will kick off Tuesday, March 29.