Wilmore, Colonials Pay Back UMBC

A year ago, George Washington's loss at UMBC proved to be a crushing blow, sending the Colonials on a downward spiral that resulted in their first losing season in five years.

Coming into last night's game at Smith Center, the Colonials had hoped to atone not only for last year's setback to the Retrievers, but also their recent defeat at Auburn.

Although UMBC provided another tough test, the Colonials eventually prevailed, 70-64. George Washington (3-1) now stands at 3-0 against America East Conference teams after earlier wins over Boston University (63-58) and Binghamton (71-57). The Colonials also play Vermont next month.

However, George Washington's upcoming Atlantic 10 schedule will be much tougher than the America East portion of its season, and if these early games are any indication, the Colonials have work to do before conference season rolls around.

"It was just important to win the game," George Washington Coach Karl Hobbs said. "Anytime you're going through a rebuilding situation, and guys are trying to define what their roles are, we just wanted to get a win."

Senior guard Noel Wilmore made four three-pointers to lead the Colonials with 14 points.

"Noel has been playing exceptionally well," Hobbs said. "We as a team have to do a better job of getting him open and getting the ball to him in spots where he can score."

Much as it did against Auburn four days ago, George Washington nearly squandered another lead. In that game, the Colonials let a 15-point halftime advantage turn into an 83-71 setback. Against UMBC (3-2), they nearly wasted an eight-point lead in the final 2 1/2 minutes.

The Retrievers, who lost three key players from last season's team that advanced to its first NCAA tournament, pulled within 66-64 with 41 seconds remaining. UMBC's Jay Greene then fouled freshman point guard Tony Taylor, sending him to the line to shoot a one-and-one.

Taylor made the first but missed the second. On the miss, Damian Hollis, using a little trick taught to him by former teammate Regis Koundjia, stepped on the foot of the UMBC player next to him. That allowed him to get better position for the rebound and tip-in. The basket gave the Colonials the five-point cushion they needed for the win.

"Auburn was a tough loss," said Hollis, who finished with 13 points. "We definitely needed a win to help boost our morale going into [the Dec. 7 Maryland] game."

Junior forward Justin Fry, the lowest-scoring starter for the Retrievers, became their most potent threat in the first half, scoring 12 points on 5-for-5 shooting. Foul trouble, however, kept him scoreless in the second half.

District Heights native Darryl Proctor (Paul VI Catholic) led UMBC with 17 points. Senior forward Rob Diggs had 14 rebounds for George Washington.

· VIRGINIA TECH 76, ELON 67: A.D. Vassallo and Victor Davilo scored 16 points apiece and Malcolm Delaney hit 12 free throws in the final 2:12 as the Hokies won at home.

Virginia Tech (4-2) led 34-27 at halftime, but the Phoenix (1-3) scored the first five points of the second half. Elon surged into the lead at 44-42 on a Chris Long three-pointer with 12:52 remaining. With the score tied at 50, the Hokies then went on a 10-3 run.