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Obama watches Oregon State beat George Washington

Nov 28, 2009 - 10:01 PM WASHINGTON(AP) -- Oregon State gave the first fan something to cheer about.

Seth Tarver scored 18 points and the Beavers beat George Washington 64-57 on Saturday, with President Barack Obama and his family watching from courtside in the half-full Smith Center.

Brother-in-law Craig Robinson is the Oregon State coach, and the president brought along first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha, and mother-in-law Marian Robinson.

The coach said he enjoyed having his family at the game.

"He's a huge basketball fan," Robinson said of the president. "He pays close attention and he's always followed us."

Oregon State (2-3) led 14-0 before George Washington realized the game had started, but the Colonials (4-1) managed to narrow the deficit to 10 with a run late in the first half.

The first Pac-10 team to play in the Smith Center kept up its fast-paced offense, though, and the Beavers held on in the second half.

Obama received a basketball signed by George Washington players and coaches, along with a jersey and shorts. Coach Karl Hobbs thanked Obama and his family for attending the game.

"Students, this is why you come to GW," Hobbs said.

Lasan Kromah scored 21 points to lead George Washington.