As the Atlantic 10 playoffs are quickly approaching, the Massachusetts women’s basketball team is set to host one of its toughest opponents of the year in George Washington.

The Lady Colonials recently had an 11-game winning streak snapped at the hands of conference rival Duquesne, in a game that saw the Lady Dukes shoot 13-for-21 behind the arch. UMass coach Marnie Dacko sees the three-pointer as a vital tool in defeating George Washington, but knows her team hasn’t been fully on target as of recent.

“If we could shoot like Duquesne I would love it, but if you look at our three-pointers, you can tell it’s not one of our strong points,” Dacko said.

Another obstacle for the Minutewomen will be one of the largest front-courts in the Atlantic 10, led by 6’3 center Ugo Oha. Oha has been the backbone of the Lady Colonials, averaging 13.9 points and seven rebounds per game. She also leads the team in block with 87 on the season.

Also defending the post is power forward Anna Montanana who is averaging over 12 points per game and leads the team in rebounds, grabbing 7.7 per game. Montanana has been on a tear as of recent, and dropped 19 in George Washington’s loss to Duquesne. With this impressive duo down low, UMass will need to change its recent game-plan, which has been attacking the post with the trio of Edris Bailey, Joyce Massey, and Tamara Tatham.

The three players have been an intricate part of the Minutewomen’s offense, but won’t get the same looks against the post-laden Lady Colonials.

“They have two big kids and I believe they have three of the top players in the conference,” Dacko said, “We have to attack them and cause them to get into foul trouble. We can’t just shoot over (Oha), so we have to play aggressive.”

Apparently George Washington doesn’t seem to mind traveling as it has only lost two games on the road this season. Their most recent loss was at Duquesne, before that their only other road loss was in the hostile confines of SEC powerhouse, University of Florida.

Part of the Lady Colonial’s success stems from their tenacious defense. George Washington has only allowed 60.6 points per game, on a meager .376 field goal percentage. Through this the Lady Colonials have put together a transition offense that has been one of the most potent in the conference.

“We saw their game videos and we know what kind of problems they are going to pose for us,” Dacko said, “we have to come out intense and shut down their transition game. GW is going to be hungry after losing to Duquesne, they are going to want to put some points on the scoreboard.”

A major part of the Lady Colonial’s offense has been, last year’s A-10 player of the year, Cathy Jones. Jones has averaged 20.4 points and 3.3 assists per game. The 5’11 guard is also a presence under the basket and ranks third on her team in rebounds with, 6.2 per contest.

UMass will be looking towards Hungarian sharp-shooter Judit Zsedenyi to find her rhythm against George Washington. Zsedenyi has been averaging over nine points per game, and leads the Minutewomen in three-pointers made, with 39 on the season.

Dacko will be looking towards the seniors, who will be playing their last weekend at the Mullins Center, to pick up the slack and end their careers on a high note. With this she hopes her team is mentally prepared to not only compete this weekend, but to win.

“We’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain,” Dacko said, “We’re home, it’s the seniors last weekend, we have to play defense and execute.”

“I can see in warm-ups whether or not they are physically ready to play. Mentally, I can’t get a sense of what’s going on inside their heads.”