This entry was written by DCist Sports newest contributor, Hayden Alfano

George Washington made its case as the best team in the area last night with a 78-70 win over Maryland in the BB&T Classic.

After a sloppy first half in which the teams seemed to be feeling each other out, Maryland’s Chris McCray hit back-to-back-to-back three pointers in a span of 45 seconds to tie the score at 51 and keep the Terps close. But despite GW’s serious foul trouble, Maryland was never able to gain the lead. GW regrouped, made their shots and got some key defensive stops down the stretch to pull away. Maureece Rice and Danilo “The Artist Formerly Known As J.R.” Pinnock led the Colonials with 19 points each. McCray paced all scorers with 21.

The Colonials came into the game ranked higher than the Terrapins in the AP poll (the coaches’ poll had the Terps higher), but were actually the underdogs. Despite a cold shooting night, they were able to pull off the victory, thanks to 25 Maryland turnovers and a 23-18 advantage from the free throw line. GW’s pressure defense is the first this season to expose Maryland’s weakness at point guard, as D.J. Strawberry – taking his first shot at the point this year – committed seven turnovers.

It’s the second time in two years the Colonials (5-0) have beaten the Terps (5-2), and after a soft early-season schedule, this win proves to not just D.C., but the nation, that GW is for real. With Pops Mensah-Bonsu just now rounding into form after missing the first three games due to NCAA suspension, the Colonials look poised to win the Atlantic 10.

(AP Photo taken by Manuel Balce Ceneta)