WASHINGTON (AP) Yuta Watanabe had 19 points and 11 rebounds and George Washington held off a late run to beat Howard 84-75 in the season opener for both teams on Friday night.

RJ Cole's free throws with 1:01 left pulled the Bison within 78-74, but George Washington made all six free throws in the final minute to hold them off.

The Colonials pulled away with an 8-0 run to lead 50-42 early in the second half and held the lead between six and 12 points until Howard closed the deficit late.

Jair Bolden added 17 points, Patrick Steeves scored 16 and Arnaldo Toro had 11 for George Washington, which never trailed after taking the lead at 36-34. Howard tied it at 42 early in the second half.

Cole had 23 points, Charles Williams scored 21 and Kyle Foster added 11 for the Bison.

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