ESPN Men's Basketball

WASHINGTON -- Damian Eargle's three-point play with 40 seconds left snapped a 71-all tie and Youngstown State pulled out an 80-73 victory over George Washington Saturday in each team's season opener.

Eargle was fouled by Lasan Kromah as he made a layup and converted the free throw to put the Penguins ahead 74-71. Youngstown State made six free throws in the final 25 seconds, and the Penguins escaped victorious after nearly blowing a late lead.

Blake Allen's 3-pointer with 2:40 left put Youngstown State ahead 71-65, but the Colonials charged back with six straight points, the last of which was an Isaiah Armwood dunk following a Penguins' turnover. Armwood led George Washington with 18 points.

Allen finished with 19 points, including four 3-pointers, while Eargle had 11 points.

The win was coach Jerry Slocum's 75th at Youngstown State, tying him for third on the program's all-time list with Mike Rice.