George Washington fends off South Florida 73-67

TAMPA, Fla. -- Patricio Garino scored 18 points and Paul Jorgensen added 16 as George Washington defeated Southern Florida 73-67 on Thursday night.

Garino made 6 of 12 field goals and Jorgensen 6 of 10. A Tyler Cavanaugh 3-pointer a little more than three minutes into the game gave George Washington a 12-7 lead, which it held the rest of the way.

Garino has scored 17, 18 and 18 points in George Washington's first three games.

Although USF (0-3) came close at times, the Bulls could never regain the lead.

South Florida closed on a 9-3 run, hitting consecutive 3-pointers from Angel Nunez, and Jahmal Murray (with two) to come within 71-67.

But Alex Mitola sank two foul shots with seven seconds left -- the Colonials made 9 of 10 in the final 1:10 -- and Nunez missed a final 3-point try.

McMurray scored 17 and Roddy Peters 12 for USF.