What: GW (16-4, 6-1 A-10) vs. VCU (16-3, 6-0 A-10)

Where: Verizon Wireless Arena at the Siegel Center, Richmond, Va. (CBSSN)

When: Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m.

The Colonials roll into Richmond hot off their fourth consecutive win and having won 10 of their last 11. Things aren’t getting any easier, though, as they take on No. 14 and unanimous preseason Atlantic 10 favorite VCU in the first of two meetings this season between the DMV-area squads.

Despite its strong four-game stretch, GW’s momentum may be halted in arguably its toughest game of its conference schedule. Only No. 2 Virginia has been able to best Shaka Smart’s “Havoc” defense in the Siegel Center this season, where the Colonials will battle a relentless press all game.

Last year the teams split a home and home series before VCU knocked GW out in the second round of the A-10 tournament, winning 74-55. VCU is favored tomorrow, but the Colonials are 1-1 against ranked opponents this season and will be fighting for first place in the A-10.

The Case for VCU:

The Rams’ unique, aggressive style of play will frustrate the Colonials on both ends of the court. VCU senior guard Briante Weber drives this style of play and is ranked first in the nation in steals, averaging 3.89 per game. Junior guard Patricio Garino is averaging a team-high 2.0 steals per game and often matches up against a team’s best player, but Weber will be a handful.

Weber is accompanied by the offensive talent of senior Treveon Graham, the third-highest scorer in the A-10 with 17.3 points per game and junior Melvin Johnson who is averaging 13.4 points per game, 12th-best in the A-10 just behind Garino.

VCU’s offense is also ranked 37th in the nation averaging 75.1 points per game, compared to the Colonials’ 127th best 69.5.

“Weber is probably the best defensive player I’ve ever seen in college… he’s the perfect guy for that defense,” GW head coach Mike Lonergan said on SportsTalk 570 this morning. “They have a good system, their defense is incredible, and I feel like they just have so much talent that it’s really difficult to beat them.”

The Case for GW:

One area in which GW does hold an edge over the Rams is rebounding. Currently posting an A-10 best +5.5 rebounding margin to the Rams’ -2.2, and averaging 37.2 rebounds per game to VCU’s 34.8, strong board play, especially from GW big men like forwards Kevin Larsen and John Kopriva, may be key.

Despite the Rams’ notorious defensive schemes, the Colonials defense ranks significantly higher in points allowed per game. Sitting at 30th in the nation, ceding just 59.4 points per game, while VCU’s 65.9 allowed per game puts them at 173rd, GW may have a shot at shutting down a high-powered Rams offense.

In close games between evenly matched teams the game may also be decided at the free throw line, which is good news for the Colonials. VCU is averaging the second-worst free throw shooting percentage in the A-10 at 62.8 percent, compared to GW’s sixth-best 68.6 percent.

A quick start on the road is also essential, but the Colonials could pull off the upset and if they can avoid turnovers, remain solid defensively and dominate the glass.