WASHINGTON (Interstat) — A surging George Mason looks to maintain its grip atop the Atlantic 10 standings when it visits local rival George Washington on Friday night at the Charles E. Smith Center. The Patriots (21-4, 11-2 A-10), whose only losses since Dec. 1 are by a combined 12 points, enter as one of the nation’s surprise teams. They edged the Revolutionaries 69-64 in Fairfax on Jan. 19 in the first meeting. George Washington (14-11, 8-5) has lost five of its last eight but is coming off a 75-70 home win over Rhode Island. George Mason guard Fatt Hill, who scored 11 points in the first matchup, is a key catalyst. He is averaging 15.7 points over his last three games, including a 23-point effort in Tuesday’s 82-70 loss at Richmond — just the Patriots’ second defeat in their last 16 contests. The Revolutionaries counter with forward Luke Hunger, who posted 21 points in the win over Rhode Island. He recorded a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds in a narrow loss at Duquesne on Feb. 7. George Washington’s home court has been a strength, with a 10-3 record in Washington. The Patriots, however, have been formidable on the road at 8-2. George Mason’s defense, allowing just 62.8 points per game in conference play, will test a Revolutionaries offense that averages 77.6 points at home. Friday’s result will have significant implications for the A-10 tournament seeding next month. George Mason currently holds a two-game lead in the loss column for first place. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.