Photos: A look back before the big game

By Dan Rich

March 30, 2016

GW men’s basketball has had a season filled with ups and downs. Here are some of its highlights en route to the championship game of the National Invitation Tournament.

From left: Kevin Larsen, Patricio Garino and Matt Hart celebrate the Colonials' upset over then-No. 6 Virginia in November. Dan Rich | Contributing Photo Editor — From left: Kevin Larsen, Patricio Garino and Matt Hart celebrate the Colonials’ upset over then-No. 6 Virginia in November. Dan Rich | Contributing Photo Editor

Senior forward Kevin Larsen pushes to the basket for a layup in the Colonials' win over Tennessee. GW defeated this SEC foe in the Barclays Center Classic in November. Dan Rich | Contributing Photo Editor — Senior forward Kevin Larsen pushes to the basket for a layup in the Colonials’ win over Tennessee. GW defeated this SEC foe in the Barclays Center Classic in November. Dan Rich | Contributing Photo Editor

Senior guard Joe McDonald dribbles in GW's win over Seton Hall earlier this season. Seton Hall would go on to win the Big East Tournament and be a No. 6 seed in the NCAA tournament. Desiree Halpern | Photo Editor — Senior guard Joe McDonald dribbles in GW’s win over Seton Hall earlier this season. Seton Hall would go on to win the Big East Tournament and earn a No. 6 seed in the NCAA tournament. Desiree Halpern | Photo Editor

Senior guard Joe McDonald drives to the hoop in the Colonials' loss to DePaul. GW's loss at DePaul proved to be a major liability come NCAA tournament selection. Camille Ramasastry | Hatchet Photographer — Senior guard Joe McDonald drives to the hoop in the Colonials’ loss to DePaul. GW’s loss at DePaul proved to be a major liability come NCAA tournament selection. Camille Ramasastry | Hatchet Photographer

The Colonials celebrate their 72–69 victory over VCU at the Siegel Center in Richmond, Va. The win at VCU was the Colonials' only one in the last four years. Dan Rich | Contributing Photo Editor — The Colonials celebrate their 72–69 victory over VCU at the Siegel Center in Richmond, Va. The decision was the Colonials’ only one in the last four years visiting the Rams. Dan Rich | Contributing Photo Editor

VCU's visit to the Smith Center yielded a much less desirable outcome. In the battle of the then-bubble teams, the Rams defeated the Colonials on their home floor. Dan Rich | Contributing Photo Editor — VCU’s visit to the Smith Center yielded a much less desirable outcome. In the battle of the then-bubble teams, the Rams defeated the Colonials on their home floor. Dan Rich | Contributing Photo Editor

The Colonials' NCAA tournament hopes ended in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 tournament against Saint Joseph's. GW failed to defend a 14-point halftime lead. Dan Rich | Contributing Photo Editor — The Colonials’ NCAA tournament hopes ended in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 tournament against Saint Joseph’s. GW failed to defend a 14-point halftime lead. Dan Rich | Contributing Photo Editor

After being awarded a berth in the National Invitation Tournament, the Colonials defeated Hofstra at home and then went on the road to defeat No. 1 seed Monmouth in a convincing 87–71 upset. Dan Rich | Contributing Photo Editor

After defeating Florida at home, the Colonials traveled to Madison Square Garden to face off against San Diego State in the NIT semifinals. GW dominated the Aztecs with a 65–46 win to advance to a championship matchup with No. 1 seed Valparaiso Thursday. Dan Rich | Contributing Photo Editor