GW’s men’s basketball team lost to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County 89-79 Saturday in Baltimore. Senior guard Maureece Rice did not play during the game because he violated a team rule, according to coach Karl Hobbs.

With sophomore point guard Travis King already out for the season with a knee injury, the team (2-1) was without its entire starting backcourt. Where it showed the most weakness, however, was in the paint, where the Colonials were outrebounded 37-28. GW also was unable to stop the Retrievers from three-point territory, allowing 12 threes on 25 attempts.

Senior guard Brian Hodges scored 27 points to lead all scorers and UMBC had four players score at least 17 points. Junior Wynton Witherspoon led the way for GW with 21 points and Rob Diggs scored 19.

UMBC (4-1), who play in the America East conference, are now 3-0 against A-10 teams in 2007. The Retrievers beat La Salle and Richmond on the road earlier in the year.

Hobbs said Rice will be back for GW’s next game, Wednesday against No. 1 UCLA in Westwood, Calif.