Uncasville, CT – Four teams along the East Coast squared off at Mohegan Sun on Saturday, delivering a full day of high-level, back-and-forth college basketball. Both matchups went down to the wire, showcasing competitive energy, strategic adjustments, and standout individual performances. In the first game, George Washington stifled USF’s perimeter attack, consistently running shooters off the line and disrupting their rhythm from deep. That defensive effort proved crucial, helping the Revolutionaries secure a hard-fought 99–95 victory in a game that featured multiple lead changes and momentum swings.
The second matchup was equally thrilling, as Virginia Tech battled through a high-scoring, fast-paced contest that ultimately required overtime for them to defeat Providence. The Hokies displayed poise in crunch time, executing offensively and getting key stops when it mattered most. From clutch shot-making to late-game composure, Virginia Tech’s performance capped off a dramatic afternoon of basketball at Mohegan Sun. Overall, the event delivered everything fans could hope for—intensity, elite shot-making, and games that stayed competitive until the final buzzer.
One of the key factors in George Washington’s win was the team’s ability to neutralize USF’s top perimeter threat, Joseph Pinion. Coming off a season in which he hit 85 threes at Arkansas State, Pinion entered the game as a major concern for GW’s defense. However, the Revolutionaries held him to just 1-of-13 from beyond the arc and only seven total points, a defensive effort that proved crucial in such a tight matchup.
Despite early foul trouble, George Washington’s big man Rafael Castro remained one of their most reliable offensive options. His unique skill set – putting the ball on the floor, attacking the rim, and kicking out to shooters – makes him an unconventional and highly versatile weapon for his size. Castro fouled out after only 21 minutes, and had he been able to stay disciplined defensively, he might have turned a close win into a comfortable one, as USF’s only consistent answer for him was to send him to the free-throw line.
USF, however, refused to go away, thanks largely to a spectacular performance from Robert Morris transfer Josh Omojafo. The senior poured in 33 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 3-of-5 from deep and an impressive 12-of-14 at the line. Omojafo erupted for 20 points in the first half, prompting the GW staff to emphasize denying him touches after the break. Their adjustments worked for a stretch, his first points of the second half didn’t come until the 10-minute mark, but he continued to attack the rim with ease and showed he could score at all three levels. His effort kept USF within striking distance throughout, making the game far more competitive than the Revolutionaries might have preferred.
The game of the day came from Virginia Tech and Providence. In a hostile environment, the Hokies made the key plays late and escaped with a hard-fought six-point victory. The undeniable star of the night was freshman Neoklis Avdalas, who delivered an elite all-around performance that will undoubtedly elevate his draft stock. The 6’9″ wing from Greece finished with 33 points, five rebounds, and six assists, serving as a point forward and running the offense seamlessly whenever Ben Hammond was off the floor. Avdalas used his size and poise to get downhill, finish through contact, and consistently create for teammates. His shot selection was outstanding, every jumper looked smooth and controlled, and he knocked down shots at all three levels, going 13-of-23 from the field and 5-of-8 from three.
Providence’s transfer duo of Jaylin Sellers and Jason Edwards refused to let their team go quietly, combining for 54 points and keeping their team alive possession after possession. Sellers showcased his smooth lefty stroke and deep shooting range, hitting four timely threes while using his strong frame to finish through contact and converting 6-of-6 at the line. Edwards injected pace into the Friars’ offense, repeatedly pushing the ball in transition and generating easy baskets as Virginia Tech struggled to match up in time. Even without a strong night from deep, Edwards silenced questions about his size by rising over the Hokies’ rim protectors and finishing several impressive drives through traffic.
A standout under-the-radar performance came from Providence freshman Stefan Vaaks, who flashed the tools to become a key contributor this season. With three seconds left in regulation, Kim English trusted the young guard to take the potential game winner, designing an inbound play for him. Vaaks curled off multiple screens, caught the ball near midcourt, and came inches away from burying the shot. That level of trust from the coaching staff speaks volumes about his long-term potential.
Despite Providence’s strong individual performances, the Virginia Tech staff delivered a masterclass in game management, making timely adjustments and keeping their composure in a back-and-forth battle. Their execution down the stretch allowed the Hokies to escape with a narrow but well-earned victory, capping off a thrilling showdown at Mohegan Sun.
Overall, Saturday’s slate at Mohegan Sun delivered everything fans could ask for—elite individual performances, compelling storylines, and games that stayed competitive until the final possession. George Washington’s defensive discipline and offensive versatility powered them past a dangerous USF squad, while Virginia Tech’s late-game execution and breakout performance from Avdalas lifted the Hokies in the overtime thriller against Providence. Both matchups highlighted the depth of talent across the East Coast and offered an early glimpse at teams capable of making noise as the season progresses. If this event is any indication of what’s ahead, college basketball is in for an exciting year.
This article was written by Wiliam Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.
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