George Washington (18-8, 9-5 Atlantic 10) responded to its longest losing streak of the season — four games — by winning three in row. Subtle changes to the lineup and increasing maturity have the Colonials currently fourth in the conference standings and poised for a first-round bye in next week’s A-10 Tournament.

Q How do you feel about where the team is heading into final two regular-season games?

A We still have to go out and play two difficult games, including on the road [7 tonight on ESPN2] at Charlotte (13-14, 6-8), whose record doesn’t reflect how good they are. It’s a game that first and foremost, will be about rebounding. Second for us, it’s about contesting outside shots because they’re the top team in the league in 3-point attempts.

Q In replacing sophomore forward Robert Diggs with freshman guard Travis King in the starting lineup the last three games, you’ve gone to three in the backcourt. What have you seen from the change?

This story continues below
Advertisement

A It was a move that I felt like we needed to make to become a little bit faster and quicker, and I think Robert (11.2 ppg) and Damian [Hollis] (4.7 ppg) have been giving us a real good spark off the bench scoring.

Q Until Maureece Rice (16.5 ppg) scored 21 points against La Salle, he had been mired in a bit of a slump, averaging 13 points in five games, unusual for a guy who’s scored 20 or more seven times this season. Can you point to reasons why?

A He’s just missed some pretty good shots. I don’t think he’s changed what he’s been doing. Even against La Salle he missed some wide-open shots. I don’t see it as a slump. The one thing that he has maintained is he makes big shots at the right time. Even if he’s not shooting well, he makes plays when we need them.

Q On the flip side, what has sparked Carl Elliott of late? Not only has he carried the burden of being the only experienced senior all season, he’s averaging 15.9 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and 3.3 steals in the last three games.

A I think he’s settled down, accepted the fact that, “These are the circumstances, I have to go out and produce.” To some degree he was getting overwhelmed with all the responsibilities, but now he’s fully accepted them. As a result, he’s much more relaxed and playing much more carefree. That’s when he’s at his best.

Q Who would be your four top seeds for the NCAA Tournament?

A I still would have to say North Carolina, UCLA, probably Memphis, and at that point, I would say between Florida, Pittsburgh and Georgetown, one of those three.

Q Do you have a dark horse?

A The two teams I like right now are BYU, and I still think Air Force is a dangerous team. You also have to throw Butler in there.

— As told to The Examiner’s Craig Stouffer