WASHINGTON — 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.

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 and told students, "This is why you come to GW."