The University of Dayton Flyers storybook season continues Wednesday night as they travel to the nation’s capital to face the George Washington Colonials, in a venue where there have not been any storybook endings. The Flyers (17-4 overall, 7-2 in the Atlantic 10 Western Division) have never won at the Smith Center, and more often than not it hasn’t been close. However, UD has exorcised many demons this year – winning at New Mexico, beating a ranked team (Kentucky) in Cincinnati, winning at Marquette, and finally beating Miami-OH. In addition, the Flyers have overcome double-digit deficits on the road against UMass, and just this past Sunday at home against Duquesne.

George Washington (10-11 overall, 4-4 conference) has not lost since falling at the UD Arena back on January 22 — rolling off four straight wins. The Colonials overcame a 15 point second half deficit to upend the Xavier Musketeers last Saturday to win going away. A continued strong run could find the once-dead GW squad sneak into the NIT. Helping lead the charge as of late has been the resurfacing of Mike King (11.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg). The 6-4 Jr. guard has missed six games this year due to injury but is finally healthy and finally learning his role in the somewhat freaky offense GW coach Tom Penders employs.

Utilizing what is essentially a four guard lineup, the Colonials rely heavily on everyone’s favorite shooter – SirValliant Brown and his 23 shots per game. The freshman chucker is still averaging 25 points per game and hauling down 3.4 rebounds per game. He has played a little more under control of late, and as a result has boosted his shooting percentage from 30% to 33% since the Flyers saw him last – no small feat considering the number of shots he takes. By hitting 80% of his free throws however, Brown makes up for some of his shooting woes from the field.

Chris Monroe (15.6 ppg) is the other GW freshman that should occupy a majority of the Flyers’ time. The freshman from Hyattsville, MD is leading the Colonials in rebounding at 6.1 per game – not too shabby for someone listed at 6-3. His overall performance this season and headier play have made Monroe a top candidate for Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year, along with the Flyers Brooks Hall (10.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg), and Xavier’s David West.

Question: What do the Flyers need to do to win, and maintain momentum heading into two colossal home games against the top teams in the East?

Answer 1: In each conference road game this year, Dayton has brought defense. It made up for a deplorable first half against UMass, and almost bailed them out against Xavier. George Washington can score a lot of points, and the Flyers cannot continue to dig themselves double-digit holes and expect to win. The Flyers lead the Atlantic 10 in field goal defense, and are brutal against opponents from outside the arc

Answer 2: Receive continued strong guard play from Edwin Young (7.5 ppg, 2.5 apg) and David Morris (9.1 ppg, 3.9 apg). Offensive liabilities last year, Edwin and David have performed well this year, especially of late. In the last four games, Young is hitting on 52% of his shots. Both are playing good defense — especially on the perimeter — and taking care of the basketball.

Answer 3: Take advantage of GW’s interior. GW forward Anxton Iturbe (5.6 rpg) did not score in the first meeting with the Flyers before fouling out. Mark Ashman (12.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and Yuanta Holland (9.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg) need to exploit the Colonial’s lack of a big man inside. This is another winnable game for the Flyers, but as we’ve seen, road games against the Colonials have not been pretty in the past. A win would give UD a 3.5 game lead over GW, 4.5 in reality because of the season sweep, and would virtually wrap up the Western Division.