ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. -- Andrew Nicholson and Chris Johnson each scored 15 points and St. Bonaventure defeated George Washington 66-56 on Wednesday night in the Atlantic 10 opener for both teams.

The Bonnies built a 36-21 halftime lead, then George Washington cut the deficit to five points in the second half but could get no closer.

St. Bonaventure shot 53.5 percent (23 of 43) from the field, including 14 of 25 in the first half. The only time the Bonnies have shot better this season was 56.5 percent against Cleveland State in their second game.

Demitrius Conger added 11 points and Eric Mosley had 10 for the Bonnies (8-5), who have won three straight and six of their past eight games.

Tony Taylor scored 11 points to hit double digits for the 22nd time in the past 26 games for the Colonials (5-9), who have lost seven of their past eight games.