George Washington 76, Saint Joseph's 67

George Washington's main job was to contain the left-handed shooter, who had 21 points when the Hawks beat the Colonials 71-56 only 11 days earlier. Carroll had a career-high 30 in a semifinal win over Xavier on Friday night.

Carl Elliott and J.R. Pinnock took turns chasing Carroll around the court, arms extended to deny any pass. The strategy worked initially: Carroll missed his first three shots - Pinnock swatted away a driving layup attempt - and had only five points in the first half.

Carroll wasn't the only Hawk having a hard time. Saint Joseph's missed its first nine shots and 18 of its first 22 against frenetic man-to-man coverage. The Hawks had more turnovers (8) than field goals (7) in the first half.

Saint Joseph's stayed in the game with good defense of its own. The conference's top defensive team - opponents average 59 points - prevented the Colonials from getting into the fast pace they prefer.

Chet Stachitas, who was 0-for-7 in the first half, made the Hawks' first three baskets after the break, giving Saint Joseph's its first lead at 26-25. Stachitas made his first five shots in the second half, getting openings because George Washington was so focused on Carroll.

Carroll, the most accurate 3-point shooter in school history, then found his touch. He hit consecutive 3s - one from the right corner, one from the left - and made all three free throws after he was knocked to the floor while attempting another. His personal nine-point run put the Hawks up 42-35.

Thompson, who set George Washington's career 3-point mark the previous night, then hit a 3 that blunted the Hawks' charge. Two minutes later, he started the run that brought the win.