Saunders gets 27 points, 16 rebounds as Duquesne overcomes elements, George Washington 70-63

Saunders, Duquesne defeat George Washington 70-63

WASHINGTON — Damian Saunders scored 27 points and grabbed 16 rebounds to help Duquesne weather the storm and defeat George Washington 70-63 on Saturday.

The Dukes (12-11, 3-6 Atlantic 10 Conference) led 57-50 with 6:55 remaining but the Colonials (12-10, 2-7) cut the lead to one, 64-63, on Damian Hollis’ layup with 1:34 left.

Eric Evans’ layup gave Duquesne a 66-63 lead and Melquan Bolding’s free throw made it 67-63 with 41 seconds left.

Saunders, whose double-double was his 17th this season, rebounded a missed jumper by Lasan Kromah, was fouled by Aaron Ware and made both shots for a 69-63 lead with 28 seconds left.

Kromah scored 15 points and Dwayne Smith 14 to lead George Washington.

Duquesne’s buses to the arena on Saturday morning broke down in the nearly 20 inches of snow that blanketed the D.C. area and the team had to take other vehicles to get to the game.