MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) - Mike Gansey scored 19 points and D'or Fischer added 14, leading West Virginia to a 71-65 victory over No. 20 George Washington on Wednesday night as the Mountaineers improved to 9-0 for the first time in 44 years.<br>
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George Washington (8-2) had its eight-game winning streak snapped and was held below 70 points for the first time this season.<br>
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Using a patient offense and a smothering zone, the Mountaineers forced George Washington into a slower-paced offense. West Virginia used long-range shooting to take control early in the second half.<br>
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Gansey hit two 3-pointers and Tyrone Sally added two more in an 18-10 run to open the second half that gave West Virginia its biggest lead, 50-36, with 15:22 left. George Washington then held the Mountaineers without a field goal for the next 10 minutes. <br>
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The Colonials, who average 87 points per game, chipped away at the deficit. T.J. Thompson was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made all three free throws to close the gap to 62-61 with 3:08 left.<br>
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West Virginia made nine of 12 free throws down the stretch. Fischer hit four free throws and had a dunk over the last 90 seconds to seal the win.<br>
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Thompson and J.R. Pinnock each had 14 points for George Washington, while Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Carl Elliot each added 11.<br>
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West Virginia led 32-26 at halftime, the seventh straight game the Mountaineers held an opponent to under 27 points in the opening 20 minutes. <br>
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It was the first time West Virginia played the Colonials while they were ranked since 1955. West Virginia has won the last seven home games against George Washington.
