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The GW Hatchet

AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904

The GW Hatchet

Serving the GW Community since 1904

The GW Hatchet

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Officials name senior vice president, chief of staff
By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor • March 26, 2024

Contest marked by physical match-ups, lack of GW bench depth

After senior Sarah-Jo Lawrence scored to give GW a lead late in the first half of Tuesday night’s 81-71 victory over Dayton, a whistle cut short the Colonial’s transition to defense. A few brief seconds of confusion and finger-pointing ensued before the officiating crew explained that junior Jazmine Adair had been called for a technical foul after the basket.

It was the culmination of a half of basketball that saw its share of bumps, falls and disputed calls. GW head coach Joe McKeown rose to his feet and offered his two cents to the officiating crew in an animated display.

“It was a hard-fought game,” said McKeown, who noted that he could not see what transpired on that particular play but trusted the referee’s decision. “I just wanted to get the game under control to where the game was physical, but well-played.”

Two of the Flyers’ largest players – 6-foot-2 Nikki Oakland and 6-foot-4 Kelly Keil – fouled out in the second half, indicative of the physical style that dominated the post play between the two teams. GW prevailed in the inside battle, out-rebounding Dayton 41-29 while out-scoring them in the paint by a 32-20 margin.

Junior Jessica Adair, on the receiving end of no less than five fouls herself, said that she has come to expect such hard-nosed play but must keep her emotions in check.

“I just have to get used to it and not take it so personal,” she said. “Basketball’s a physical game.”

Feelings were not the only things in danger of being hurt, as the Colonials survived a pair of injury scares. Senior Whitney Allen stayed on the ground after being called for a block late in the second half before limping back to the bench. Jazmine Adair took a hard foul while converting a lay-up with two minutes to play, walking gingerly before deciding to stay in the game. She connected on the ensuing free throw.

“I was really proud of her. She could have come out,” McKeown said of Adair. “Whitney and Jaz are really tough kids, and you expect them to bounce back.”

The Colonials, who have experienced a string of injuries throughout the season, would need to find new sources of contribution should any of their regulars miss significant playing time. The team has gotten just two points in their last three games from players outside the regular six-player rotation, something that McKeown said will have to change in order for the team to take its play to the next level.

“For us to be a really good, championship team we’ve got to get some offensive firepower out of some people off the bench,” McKeown said. “Some of those guys have to step up, and we’ve got to get them opportunities. It’s a two-way street.”

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