Things started badly for George Washington against DePaul, and they just didn't get any better. On a night when the Blue Demons couldn't miss from the floor, the Colonials shot as if they were still using ancient muskets to fire the basketball.
George Washington shot just 34 percent from the floor as they got blown out by DePaul, 82-61.
DePaul took control early, winning the tip and scoring quickly off a set play with the quick trigger of Billy Garrett Jr. Three missed shots by the Colonials later, it was 10-0 and the Blue Demons were on their way.
The Colonials may not be one of the elite defenses in the country, but they are an effective defense although you would never know it from the performance Tuesday night.
Here is a team that is among the best defending out to the 3-point line and keeping teams from harming them from deep. Yet, DePaul shot a ridiculous 8-for-18 from deep, including two in that opening run.
Here they are facing a team that is not a great ball control squad, yet the Colonials couldn't use that to their advantage, forcing just 13 turnovers.
And here is a team that is one of the least effective defenses, especially out on the perimeter. Yet George Washington could only manage to shoot 3-for-20 from deep, with all the makes coming off the bench.
To be certain, it didn't help that leading scorer Tyler Cavanaugh had to sit most of the second half with a lower leg injury. His lack of presence inside eliminated one potential weapon for the Colonials, especially as he was able to draw fouls continually inside, and went 8-for-9 from the free throw line, scoring 14 points.
It also didn't help that Patrick Garino was held scoreless from the floor as he never found his rhythm at Allstate Arena. He finished with just four points.
Kevin Larsen was the lone bright spot for George Washington, scoring 17 points and pulling in 11 rebounds. He was the only player who seemed to really get into the flow of the game.
This was a big win for Dave Leitao and the Blue Demons, who were led by Garrett with 20 points and seven assists. They shot 55.4 percent from the floor and just dominated from start to finish, despite some foul trouble in the first half. It was the first time this season they were able to convert against a top team, and a great stepping stone as Big East play begins on Dec. 30.
George Washington will look to get back on track against Central Florida -- hopefully with Cavanaugh back -- on Dec. 29, before Atlantic-10 play begins in the new year.