Feb. 17, 2005

PHILADELPHIA - Saint Joseph's is looking for its first two-game win streak of the season and its third win in four games when the Hawks host George Washington Thursday evening at Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse. After finding themselves in last place in the Atlantic 10 East two weeks ago, the Hawks have moved into a tie for third with wins over Rhode Island and at Fordham. Meanwhile, the Colonials ride a three-game win streak into Hawk Hill, with their past two victories (79-47 over Duquesne and 63-47 over Richmond) coming on the road.

SCOUTING THE COLONIALS
With three consecutive wins, George Washington carries momentum into Hawk Hall this Thursday. Fresh off their win at Richmond, the Colonials control their destiny over the final two weeks as they trail Xavier by a game in the Atlantic 10 West and hold the tie-break advantage over the Spiders. Led by All-American candidate, senior Anna Montañana, the Colonials boast the fourth best offense in the league. Montañana ranks third in the A-10 in scoring (16.2 points per game), fifth in assists (4.04 a game), sixth in steals (2.3 per game) and 10th in rebounding (6.9 per game). A-10 leader in assists Kimberly Beck (5.26 per game), senior post player Jessica Simmons (14.7 ppg), sophomore forward Whitney allen (5.3 ppg) and sophomore guard Kenan Cole (7.2 ppg) will likely join Montañana in the starting lineup.

THE SERIES
The Hawks and Colonials will square off in their annual meeting this Thursday evening at Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse. Saint Joseph's has won the past two contests, including a decisive 70-57 victory in last year's Atlantic 10 semifinals. The Hawks are 10-8 all-time at home versus George Washington, but have won only two of the past nine meetings. Prior to last season's victory at home, the Colonials had won two in a row.

LAST MEETING: SAINT JOSEPH'S DOWN COLONIALS TO SET UP PHILLY FINALE
With its season hanging in the balance, Saint Joseph's fittingly had its five seniors on the court. It was their clutch performance that boosted the Hawks into the Atlantic 10 Championship game for the second time in the past three years with a 70-57 win over George Washington. The seniors accounted for all but six of Saint Joseph's 70 points.

Click here for Saint Joseph's game notes.

Click here for live audio.