The Colonials play five games over winter break, including their first four Atlantic 10 Conference games. Three of those games are against weak A-10 teams, giving GW ample opportunity to start its conference season strong.

With its win over Providence College Saturday, GW (7-3) is off to its best start since 1996. That year GW, under former head coach Mike Jarvis, won three of its first four conference games en route to an 11-5 conference record, a 24-9 overall record that included a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

GW hosts Charlotte (4-3) in its last non-conference game Dec. 29 then St. Bonaventure (4-2) Jan. 3 to start conference play. GW takes on Duquesne at home three days later. Duquesne has lost four straight games, after starting the season 2-0.

The toughest conference opponent will be Dayton (4-3) Jan. 9. It is the first of two match-ups between the A-10 West foes. Dayton might be more prepared for the game, as its three losses came against tough competition

The Colonials wrap up play during the break against La Salle (4-5), which lost three of its last four games.