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Offline - From: Alabama
- Registered: 7/22/2019
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GW versus Fordham University Game (2) Thread
Next up: Fordham Rams
Time: February 4, 2025; 6PM
Venue: Charles E Smith Center – Washington, DC
2023-24 Record: 13-16 (8-10 in A10)
2025 Projection: 9th (tie)
Current Record: 12-9
OOC Record: 6-5
A10 Record: 6-4
Common OOC: None
Last Time Out: Fordham defeated GW at Rose Hill 61-53 (1/8/2025)
Broadcast: ESPN+
Opponent Summary: Fordham visits GW on Tuesday evening for the 2nd conference matchup between the two teams this season. The Rams, at 12-9 overall, are having a respectable season after being picked to finish 9th in the A10 this season. They enter the contest coming off a disappointing overtime loss to St. Louis on Saturday night, and are tied for 6th place in A10 play. One of their A10 victories came at the expense of GW earlier this season in the Bronx. Fordham is led by Taylor Donaldson, a preseason All-A10 1st Team selection who currently stands third in the A10 in scoring with a 17.0 ppg average. Detroit Mercy graduate transfer, Irene Murua, also comes in at double figures with a 11.7 ppg average and leads the team in rebounding at 6.2 rpg. Chae Harris (8.6 ppg) is another player capable of having a big game. As a team, the Rams score 61 ppg, while allowing 59.6 points to their opponents. They shoot 38.6% from the field (26.3% from 3-point range) and have an assist-to-turnover ratio of .6.
About the Game: Last game was a closely contested throughout, but Fordham was the more composed team in the last quarter and secured the win. Donaldson had 16 points in that outing, but it was Harris who scored 14 critical points that made the difference. The talent level of the two teams is comparable and the offensive statistics are similar, but the Rams have managed to win their close games, due in part to Donaldson’s one-on-one ability and overall game presence. GW’s defense is capable of making this a contest, but the question remains as to whether the Revs can manufacture enough offense to make the game competitive. In the previous contest, Mott (12 points) had some success inside and Reynolds (14 points) played under control to lead the team. Andrews and Lewis (combined 1-11 and 8 turnovers) had really bad games. Engel played for 34 minutes and only got 5 field-goal attempts, while Calisto only logged 11 minutes. For whatever reasons, Diala, Parnell, Planes Fortuny, Sierra Vargas, and Sims did not play. Hopefully, the coaches can assimilate this information to formulate a sound offensive game plan.
The opportunities left this season to get a conference win are dwindling. Can the Revs string 4 consecutive quarters of effective basketball together?
- xAC
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- From: Alabama
- Registered: 7/22/2019
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Re: GW versus Fordham University Game (2) Thread
Final Result: GW ends losing streak with 69-59 win over Fordham.
Today’s starters: Andrews, Calisto, Engel, Mott and Reynolds. Fordham’s passive pressure didn’t bother the Revs, and some nice inside buckets followed by a Reynolds trey staked GW to the early 9-7 lead with 4:53 to go in the 1st quarter. GW shut down Fordham for the rest of the period, save a free throw with 27 seconds left. Andrews’ buzzer beater on the other end increased GW’s advantage to 17-8 going into period 2. The Revs offense stumbled out of the gates to start the 2nd quarter, deferring to the long game and missing all of their early 3-point attempts. The Rams full court press bothered the backcourt of Andrews and Sierra-Vargas, allowing Fordham to cut into the lead and trail by only 20-14 with 4:34 to go before halftime. GW recovered by going inside again, but the defense gave Fordham too many second chances and they clawed their way back into the game, trailing by only 27-24 at the half. Murua led the Rams with 10 points and Donaldson added 9 points. Andrews led GW with 7 points. Once again, the inside game served GW well to start the second half. Fordham’s march to the foul line kept them close, but GW increased the lead to 38-32 at the 4:48 mark of the 3rd quarter. GW closed the period with 3 triples, and took a 49-36 lead into the final quarter. A 7-0 GW blitz to start the 4th ballooned the lead to 20, forcing a Rams timeout with 7:30 to go. After the timeout GW could not cope with the Rams press and barrage of 3-pointers. Fordham closed to within 5 points, but GW maintained their poise down the stretch and held on for a 69-59 win. Murua and Donaldson led the way for Fordham with 23 and 21 points respectively. Reynolds topped GW with 18 points and Andrews finished with 10 points.
Although a well-deserved win, GW was fortunate in some respects. Their inability to beat the press in the 4th quarter was a glaring weakness, as was surrendering 28 offensive rebounds to the Rams. Kudos to the defense, who despite giving Fordham those O-boards, held them to only 11 second chance points and 24.3% shooting-- that was the difference in the game. While Fordham relied on their dynamic duo, GW put together a team effort with critical contributions from everyone. Sims and Diala, in particular, had some good minutes, and Reynolds was in complete control. Although things got tense during the Fordham comeback, GW stayed composed and secured the win.
Heading up to Olean for a match with St. Bonaventure sure feels better with a win on the books.
Last edited by xAC (2/04/2025 9:27 pm)
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