Rice quietly makes an impact

Freshman guard Maureece Rice may not be used to coming off the bench, but the former Philadelphia prep star is making the most of his seven minutes per game. In 14 minutes Sunday, Rice chipped in five points, an assist and a game-high four steals.

One of those picks came in the midst of a 16-2 GW run in the first half. With just under 10 minutes remaining, Rice took the ball from Dayton’s Mark Jones and immediately threw it to senior T.J. Thompson for an open three-pointer, putting the Colonials ahead 23-14.

“He was big today,” head coach Karl Hobbs said. “He came in and made some great defensive plays, got a couple of steals. More importantly, he was very good with the basketball. His 14 minutes today were valuable, and he will continue to be.”

The fact that Rice has improved without GW having to depend on him in key situations is considered a major step for Hobbs’ program, which had featured freshmen in the starting lineup in each of the coach’s first three years.

Does anyone know the time?

Athletic department officials were upset after Sunday’s game at continuing problems with the shot clock at the Smith Center.

Referees have had to stop play numerous times during recent games because Smith Center officials did not start the 35-second clock properly. The problem became particularly frustrating for GW with just over 10 minutes left in the game Sunday, when sophomore J.R. Pinnock drew a foul on a drive to the basket.

After discussing the situation for several minutes, referees ruled that the shot clock had not started properly, denied Pinnock his free throws and gave GW the ball out of bounds. The Colonials went on to miss a three-pointer.

During the play stoppage, confused fans became upset. One student was ejected, apparently for taunting.

Greene to return shortly

Sophomore center Jaaron Greene is expected to return to the Colonials’ bench in the near future after resolving an “administrative” issue with the University, Hobbs said. The Manassas, Va., native has played in just one game this season – a Jan. 12 win at St. Bonaventure.

He has not been with the team during recent games and was seen watching from the stands in the Colonials’ loss to Xavier last week.