Men’s Basketball (3-0) beat American University (1-2) 107-67 in the Smith Center Wednesday Night in an offensive showcase.
Rallying behind guard Tre Dinkins’ 23 points and 7 threes, his second straight game with 20 points, the Revs scored their highest total in regulation since 2013. GW shot a season-high 55.9% from the floor and 53.6% from three. American, who are coming off an appearance in the NCAA tournament last season, was held to just 45% and 25% from three.
“Very impressed with my guys tonight.” Head Coach Chris Caputo said, “I was happy to watch today.”
Rafael Castro Gets Announced in Starting Lineup (Photo by: Greg Fiume)
With seven scorers in double-digits GW has created their identity around being selfless and sharing the spotlight. “The depth is real, the defense is real.” Caputo said when asked about this year’s group, “The unselfishness is real, no agendas is real.”
GW opened scoring with a three pointer from Trey Autry, who ended up leaving the game due to an ankle injury, but the tone had been set for the night. A pair of triples from Redshirt Junior Garrett Johnson and Dinkins put the Revs up 17 points with seven minutes left in the first half.
Johnson, making his first regular-season appearance in nearly two years, was asked about his return. “It’s been a long time coming, and I was excited to be out there with my teammates playing,” Johnson said.
A pair of GW turnovers led to American cutting the lead to 11, but the Revs responded with a run of their own and extended their advantage to 19 points at halftime.
62 of GW’s points tonight were scored by the transfer class. “I think our talent level is higher. Garrett (Johnson’s) return, and the influx of new guys. When you have all those intangible things with the talent level, you can have nights like this.”
A Dinkins three and Junior guard Jean Aranguren added a pair of layups to extend GW’s lead quickly to 26 out of halftime.
The second half was all Revs, shooting 7-10 (70%) from three. The biggest came from Johnson at the nine minute mark in the second half. “It was great to be back out there,” Johnson said.
Rafael Castro, who struggled with foul trouble amassing 9 over his first two games, had 0 personal fouls, and a season-high 15 points. “One of my focuses coming into this game was staying in the game.” Castro said, “I’m understanding that I have to stay in the game for us to be successful.”
A highlight reel dunk from Senior Tyrone Marshall Jr. helped GW get to a game-high 44 point lead before the final score.
Caputo seemed optimistic about this season. “It’s early in the season, but we have a chance to be the best team that I’ve had here, and also the best team that’s been here in a long time,” Said Caputo.
GW faces Old Dominion at home on Saturday, November 15, at 6 p.m.
