Steeves, Watanabe lead GW past New Hampshire 68-64

Dec 21, 2017, 02:34 am

WASHINGTON -- Patrick Steeves scored a season-high 23 points, Yuta Watanabe had a double-double and George Washington held off New Hampshire 68-64 on Wednesday night in the first-ever meeting between the two schools.

Watanabe had 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Colonials (6-6), who moved coach Bill Herrion to 398 wins. Watanabe blocked his 119th shot, moving into a tie for sixth on the career list.

Down 33-29 at the half, Watanabe had a pair of 3-pointers in an early 10-0 run that gave George Washington the lead for good -- Steeves' jumper capped it to make it 43-39.

New Hampshire stayed close, getting within one three times, the last on a Darryl Stewart basket with 3:29 to play. Watanabe quickly hit a 3-pointer and the Colonials iced it by making 6 of 8 free throws.

Tanner Leissner had 14 points, giving him 1,601 for his career and moving past Robin Dixon for second on the career list for the Wildcats (3-9).