Atlantic-10 Tournament Roundup
George Washington, Xavier Both Win Big, Will Meet In A-10 Final
George Washington and Xavier are meeting in the Atlantic-10 Conference title match Saturday.
George Washington advances to the finals for the first time in seven years with a 78-64 victory against Temple.
Mike King and J.J. Brade led the Colonials with 19 and 17 points respectively.
Xavier has something to 'Bragg' about as well -- its 95-80 defeat of Rhode Island was highlighted by 60% shooting, including 8-of-14 on 3-pointers. The Musketeers were led by Torraye Braggs 23 points and 11 rebounds.
A roundup of Friday's Atlantic-10 action.
George Washington 78, Temple 64
Mike King scored 19 points and J.J. Brade had 17 as George Washington beat No. 24 Temple 78-64 to reach the Atlantic 10 tournament final for the first time in seven years.The Colonials (24-7), closing in on an NCAA tourney invitation despite four late-season losses, will face Xavier.
Temple (21-8), who had won nine straight conference games, made only two baskets in the last 10 minutes as the Colonials went on a 16-2 spurt. They held Temple to 11 for 34 shooting in the second half.
Alexander Koul had 13 rebounds as the Colonials dominated the Owls 48-30 on the boards.
Xavier 95, Rhode Island 80
Torraye Braggs had 23 points and 11 rebounds and Xavier's shooting was on from start to finish as the West's top seed beat Rhode Island 95-80 Friday to advance to its first Atlantic 10 final.
On Saturday, Xavier faces George Washington, which beat No. 24 Temple 78-64. The teams split their regular-season meetings.
Neither team has won an Atlantic 10 championship.
Xavier (21-7) jumped out to an early 12-point lead and Rhode Island never got closer than seven as Xavier shot 59 percent to avenge a 69-68 loss to the Rams Feb. 24. Then, the Musketeers shot under 40 percent for only the second time all season.
They shot better only twice this year, including 67 percent shooting against La Salle.
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