WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) Patricio Garino scored 17 points as George Washington continued its undefeated streak at home Wednesday night, taking down Duquesne 71-57.
It was a bounce-back victory the Colonials (18-4, 6-2 Atlantic 10) after falling at Dayton last week. The Dukes (10-11, 2-6), meanwhile, lost their second straight.
Nemanja Mikic added 11 points for George Washington and Isaiah Armwood posted his eighth double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Kevin Larsen rounded out George Washington's double-digit scorers, with 13 points.
Dominique McKoy led the way for Duquesne with 14 points, Ovie Soko had 13 and Micah Mason 11.
Joe McDonald and Maurice Creek returned after missing the Colonials' last outing with a hip injury and illness, respectively. McDonald had six of George Washington's 23 assists but Creek was quiet.
George Washington scored early and often in the first, including a stretch of play that saw the Colonials drain four back-to-back 3's.
But Duquesne would not go quietly, using a 19-6 run over the closing stretch of the half to enter the break down just six points. That offensive spurt was paced largely by Mason, the only player to reach double-digits before the break.
George Washington's offense staggered at times, but managed a consistent 46.4 field goal percentage and was in danger of losing its lead thanks in large part to a 36-26 points in the paint advantage.
Duquesne found its firepower in spurts, threatening a comeback throughout play. At one point during the second half, Soko slammed a dunk so vicious, it broke the rim at the Smith Center - necessitating a long timeout, a ladder and a level before it was fixed.
Still, the Dukes ultimately bowed in the face of the Colonials' 1-3-1 zone. They looked especially upended by George Washington's defense in the first half due to a combination of turnovers and inability to rebound.
The Dukes shot 20 for 59 from the field while committing 15 turnovers.
George Washington next hosts Fordham on Feb. 8, while Duquesne will take on George Mason.
