George Washington has been there before, grinding away in late February trying to avoid the ignominious distinction of missing the Atlantic-10 playoffs.

But on Wednesday night, the Nike was on the other foot, as perennial A-10 doormat Fordham came to Smith Center. For four straight years, the Rams have finished in last place in the conference. This year they are near the bottom again. Their last appearance in the A-10 tournament was 2008.

On an uninspired night in which it struggled from the 3-point arc and the free-throw line, GW still had plenty of margin for error, using a career-high 15 points from freshman Kevin Larsen and superior backcourt defense and ball-handling to subdue Fordham 68-60, before 2,240

Weary of watching the Colonials make only 17 of 37 free throws, some GW fans booed the Colonials as they missed attempts in the final two minutes, allowing Fordham to stay within striking distance. But the night was more about the Colonials guards who feasted on their counterparts who committed 22 turnovers. GW made off with a season-high 17 steals, including four each by senior Lasan Kromah (13 points) and freshman Patricio Garino (nine points).

Kdunleavy@washingtonexaminer.com