WASHINGTON -- The American University men's basketball team impressed en route to a four-point lead late in the first half on Saturday afternoon, but Georgetown (10-3) proved to be too much in the final 25 minutes, topping the Eagles (4-7) by a score of 80-60 inside a crowded Capital One Arena. 

BY THE NUMBERS:

• Two Eagles reached double-figures in scoring with Sa'eed Nelson scoring 17 points and Mark Gasperini chipping in 12.
• Nelson also led the team with three steals.
• Leading the Eagles in rebounding was Stacy Beckton Jr. with five, the sixth time this season he has led the team in that category. 
• Ben Lubarsky came off the bench to score seven points and grab three boards.
• As a team, American shot 41% from the field but struggled from three-point range, only mustering 3-of-23 from deep. 
• AU had 13 free-throw attempts compared to a whopping 28 for Georgetown. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Georgetown came out of the gate well, holding a six-point lead at the first media timeout, 10-4. 
• Jamir Harris and Nelson scored the first 14 points for the Eagles before Gasperini buried a baby hook with 10:06 to play in the first half to cut the Hoyas' lead to four. 
• A 9-0 run by American gave the Eagles their first lead of the game at 23-20 with 8:01 left. 
• The lead stretched to as many as four after a made three-pointer by Beckton Jr. gave the Eagles a 28-24 lead with 5:28 left.
• A flagrant foul by American changed the momentum late in the first half. Mac MacClung made both free-throws and propelled the Hoyas to a 14-0 run in the final four minutes.
• Three made baskets to open the second half for Georgetown set the tone in a convincing victory. 
• American couldn't close the deficit to less than 14 as the Eagles were held scoreless from three-point range in the final 20 minutes. 
• Georgetown shot 56% from the field while AU only managed 38.5% in the second half. 

UP NEXT:

• The Eagles are set to begin conference play on the road against the reigning Patriot League champion Colgate on Thursday, Jan. 2 at 7 p.m.

MEN'S BASKETBALL HOLIDAY 3-PACK TICKET MINI-PLAN AVAILABLE THROUGH DEC. 31

• Treat yourself or give the gift of AU Hoops this December by purchasing the AU Men's Basketball's Holiday 3-Pack Ticket Mini-Plan!  For just $50 you get a sideline ticket to 3 great match-ups of your choice from all remaining home games. Shopping for Eagle fans on your holiday list has never been easier.  Purchase this special holiday season limited time offer at AUeagles.com/Tickets today!

INDIVIDUAL GAME TICKET INFO

• Great seats remain for all nine home Patriot League games beginning with the Jan. 5 PL home opener vs. Boston University in Bender Arena.  Secure your seats today by visiting AUeagles.com/Tickets or by calling (202) 885-TIXX (8499).  Group Tickets are available starting at just $5 each.
• AU students are admitted free of charge to home basketball games with a valid AU ID.

For the latest on American University Men's Basketball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_MBasketball), Facebook (AU.MBasketball) and Instagram (@au_mbasketball).