PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The La Salle Explorers are in the midst of a rare late-season, weeklong break.  They don't return to the court until Saturday, when they host George Washington.

Explorers head coach Dr. John Giannini says these off days come at a good time for his team.

"Yeah, I think so.  I do think this is a time of the year where players can get tired, physically and mentally, and you may have some nagging injuries.   But it's especially good for us coming after the St. Louis-Bonaventure week," he said.

Hear the entire John Giannini interview in this CBS Philly SportsPod...

The Explorers split those two road games, beating the Billikens 78-77 before losing at St. Bonaventure, 82-61.  They currently sit at 12-14 on the season, 4-7 in the Atlantic 10.

As for Saturday's battle with George Washington, the Explorers will be looking for a bit of revenge after losing the first matchup with the Colonials back on January 5th, 72-67.

"Well that game was a long time ago," says Giannini.   "(It) was our first conference game, and I think it just gives you a sense of how you match up against them athletically.  But so much has changed since early January -- they've certainly gotten better.  I think at that time we were really playing poorly -- that was our poorest stretch of basketball for the year, and we really had a poor game at George Washington.  So I think both teams are playing a little bit better right now, and the second time around really has no bearing on the first, usually."

George Washington brings a 13-12 mark overall into Saturday.  The Colonials are 6-5 in A-10 play.

Reported by Matt Leon, KYW Newsradio 1060.