WASHINGTON (Interstat) — In a game defined by a devastating opening salvo, the George Washington Revolutionaries delivered a commanding performance Saturday, overwhelming the Loyola Chicago Ramblers 101-66 in an Atlantic 10 men’s basketball contest at Charles E. Smith Center.

The outcome was effectively decided in the game’s first six minutes. George Washington, playing with precision and force, opened the contest on a 15-0 run, leaving Loyola Chicago reeling and unable to mount a meaningful challenge. The Revolutionaries’ early dominance set the tone for a lopsided affair witnessed by 2,169 fans.

George Washington’s offensive execution was clinical from the start. The Revolutionaries scored on their first seven possessions, with center Rafael Castro setting an aggressive tone inside. The 6-foot-11 junior from Dover, New Jersey, controlled the paint on both ends, finishing with 14 points and 14 rebounds. His early activity, including a layup on the game’s first possession and a dominant presence on the glass, fueled the initial surge.

Loyola Chicago, meanwhile, opened the game ice cold, missing its first seven shots from the field and committing three turnovers before finally getting on the board. The Ramblers’ offensive struggles persisted throughout the half. They shot just 8 for 36 from three-point range for the game and a paltry 6 for 12 from the free throw line. Their 20 total turnovers were converted into 28 points by a opportunistic George Washington defense that also recorded 12 steals.

The Revolutionaries’ first-half explosion was staggering. They built a 60-39 lead by halftime, shooting 50% from the field and connecting on 9 of 20 three-point attempts. The offensive barrage was balanced, with five players scoring in double figures by game’s end. Garrett Johnson added 18 points, Trey Autry had 17, and Christian Jones orchestrated the offense with 11 points and nine assists. Jean Aranguren contributed 12 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Loyola Chicago’s few bright spots came from individual efforts. Joshua Ola-Joseph led all scorers with 20 points, while Miles Rubin posted a double-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. Kymany Houinsou distributed seven assists, but the Ramblers as a team managed only six assists against their 20 turnovers, highlighting a disjointed offensive night.

George Washington’s efficiency was the story. They scored 101 points on just 78 possessions, an offensive rating of 129.4, and were nearly perfect from the foul line, making 18 of 19 attempts. In contrast, Loyola Chicago managed an offensive rating of just 83.9.

The second half offered no respite for the visitors. George Washington maintained its intensity, extending the lead and cruising to the 35-point victory. The Revolutionaries improved to 12-5 overall and 2-1 in Atlantic 10 play, bouncing back from a road loss at Dayton earlier in the week. Loyola Chicago fell to 5-12 and 0-3 in the conference, extending a difficult start to league play.

The game’s decisive opening stretch rendered the remaining minutes a formality. George Washington’s blend of inside power, proficient outside shooting, and relentless defense proved far too much for a Loyola Chicago team that never recovered from the initial shock. The Revolutionaries next host Davidson on Wednesday, while Loyola Chicago returns home to face George Mason on Tuesday.