“Initially we didn’t respond very well,” Amaker said. “They definitely are quick; they trap and get up in you and try to turn you over and speed you up.”

But the Crimson took control of the game, sending out a slew of lineups with such strong ball handlers as Lin and sophomore and rookie point guards Oliver McNally and Brandyn Curry. The three managed to control the tempo of the game and slowly cut into the deficit.

Harvard tied the game for the first time with over five minutes to play in the opening frame off a Casey free throw, but was unable to convert on its next three shot attempts and the Colonials took back the lead.

Casey gave the Crimson its first advantage at the 3:45 mark, but again George Washington regained control. It was not until Lin’s three-pointer to close out the half that Harvard would maintain its advantage.

While Amaker described Lin’s play as tremendous—he finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, seven steals (a career high), and five assists—the team’s leader was quick to defer praise to his teammates.

“Anyone who watched the game knew it was a huge team effort,” Lin said. “There wasn’t any one person who was doing anything special.”