FAIRFAX, Va. (Interstat) — A surging George Mason, off to its best start in program history, will host a traditionally tough Atlantic 10 rival when the VCU Rams visit EagleBank Arena on Saturday.

The Patriots (15-1, 2-0 A-10) have won 10 consecutive games, their lone loss a 73-62 setback at Virginia Tech on Dec. 6. They enter riding the momentum of a 67-58 road victory at Fordham on Wednesday. Key to their success has been forward Riley Allenspach, who is averaging 15.1 points and 5.1 rebounds over his last seven contests. He scored 18 points in the win over the Rams.

VCU (11-5, 1-1) aims to bounce back from a disruptive home loss, falling 71-62 to Saint Louis on Wednesday. That defeat snapped a five-game winning streak for the Rams. Guard Terrence Hill has been a consistent offensive force, scoring in double figures in 12 straight games, including a 21-point performance in a win at Duquesne on Jan. 3. He led VCU with 17 points in the loss to Saint Louis.

The matchup pits George Mason’s stellar record against VCU’s typically stout defense and pressure. The Patriots’ only blemish is a road loss to a Power Five opponent, while the Rams’ defeats have come against a challenging schedule.

Historically, VCU has dominated the series, winning 20 of the last 23 meetings. However, this George Mason squad presents a new caliber of challenge, boasting a perfect 9-0 record at home this season.

Saturday’s contest is a critical early conference test. A win would solidify George Mason as the A-10 frontrunner, while VCU seeks to reassert its conference dominance and avoid a second league loss.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon at EagleBank Arena. George Mason travels to Loyola Chicago next Tuesday, while VCU visits Rhode Island next Wednesday.