Yesterday we took a look at our area NCAA basketball teams that have already secured a spot in the Big Dance. In our second installment, we examine the bubble teams, as well as those unfortunate enough to miss the postseason.

American University Eagles (20-11, 10-4)
The AU Eagles kept rollin' on Sunday against Army, downing the fifth-seeded Black Knights in front a rockin' Bender Arena by a score of 72-60. Junior Guard Garrison Carr went the distance for Jeff Jones's squad, playing all 40 minutes, leading all scorers with 23 points (including five threes), and going 8-8 from the free throw line to seal the win. Also clutch was the surprising play of freshman Nick Hendra -- son of Spinal Tap manager Ian Faith -- who, despite not logging a single minute since January 30, poured in a career high 11 points and capped it with a dramatic dunk over an Army defender. The win puts the Eagles in the Patriot League championship game for the fourth time in the program's history. Unfortunately, they've lost all four and will go for their first-ever NCAA tournament bid on Friday at 4:45 against Colgate. The third-seeded Raiders come to Tenleytown off a home semifinal win over Bucknell, but they've lost both meetings with American this year. Of course, it's never easy to beat the same team three times in a season, yet it's what AU will have to do to snag their first invitation to the Big Dance. The game has sold out already, but will be televised live on ESPN2.

What to Expect: The Patriot League has been relatively balanced this year, and, like we mentioned earlier, a third win against a league opponent seems somewhat unlikely. As much as we're rooting for this likable Eagles squad, we see them suffering yet another loss in the conference final. Fifth time's a charm?
-Graham Hough-Cornwell

Photo by Samer Farha

University of Maryland Terrapins (18-13, 8-8)
The Maryland Terrapins all but played themselves out of the NCAA Tournament after losing to ACC bottom-feeder Virginia (15-14, 5-11 ACC) last Sunday night, 91-76. The Terps were 6-6 in their last 12 games but lost five out of their last seven, a dreadful statistic that won't work in Maryland's favor in the eyes of the selection committee. Maryland would have to win at least two if not three games in the upcoming ACC Tournament to even put them back on the bubble. Then again, with teams like San Diego taking away precious bids, Maryland might have to win the whole darn thing if they want to dance. Hey, it worked in 2004. The #6 seed Terps face #11 seed Boston College tomorrow night in the opening round at 9:30pm. Should they advance, Maryland would face #3 seed Clemson in what would be an emotional rematch from a few weeks ago where the Terps lost to the Tigers in the game's final seconds.

Despite the return of coach Brenda Frese after giving birth to twins, the #5 Maryland women (30-3, 13-1 ACC) were unable to defeat Duke for a third time this season after falling to the #12 Blue Devils last Saturday in the semi-finals of the ACC Tournament, 74-63. The Terps will most likely end up with a #2 seed in the tourney come Selection Sunday.

What to Expect: The Terps notch an encouraging win over BC in the first round, only to fall to Clemson once again, resulting in an NIT bid. The Lady Terps avenge their counterparts' loss with a strong run to the Final Four.
-Brett Gellman

George Washington University Colonials (9-17, 5-11)
GW's hopes for a 4th straight NCAA tourney berth looked slim at the beginning of the season, with the team losing presumptive starting point guard Travis King for the season to injury. The Colonials tried out a number of options at point guard, including senior scorer Maureece Rice, before finally settling on walk-on and fan favorite Johnny Lee. Rice, however, had trouble adjusting to his new role and was suspended twice during the season, finally being dismissed from the team with two games to go. The reason was never made clear, other than "a violation of team rules." The team struggled to 9-17 record including 5-10 in the Atlantic 10, and not even the third tournament will have GW. Maybe things will look up next year with the return of Travis King and entry of high-scoring point guard recruit Tony Taylor. Beast forward Rob Diggs will be back too.
-Andrew Wiseman

Much like Maryland, the Colonials' women's team has enjoyed success throughout the season that the men couldn't touch. GW has remained steadfastly ranked in the mid-teens from week one, and seem poised for a 4/5 seed in the national tournament. With some solid postseason experience on their roster, the Colonials might just be able to pull off an upset or two. A Sweet Sixteen appearance shouldn't surprise anyone.

Beyond the Beltway
Elsewhere outside the Beltway, Maryland-Baltimore County is favored over Hartford in the America East final. The Retrievers beat up on DMV schools, topping GW, American, Morgan State, Hampton and Richmond, but have little shot at an at-large bid... Speaking of Richmond, the Spiders are the #4 seed in the A-10 tournament, but will most likely have to beat national top ten team Xavier plus two other teams to make the dance, which looks to be a long shot... The Viriginia Tech Hokies (18-12, 9-7) finished third in the traditionally powerful ACC. Without a marquee win on their resume, they'll be hard pressed for a bid without a deep run in their conference tournament. They'll face either Miami or NC State tomorrow afternoon... In the CAA, VCU has an outside shot at an at-large bid after losing in the conference tourney semifinals – however, an RPI of 43 and wins over Houston and Maryland might not be enough... In the MEAC, Baltimore's Morgan State is the #1 seed in the conference tourney and plays their semifinal Friday, while Maryland-Eastern Shore faces Norfolk State today, with the winner set to face Coppin State in the semis... Howard is already out... Emmittsburg, Maryland's Mount Saint Mary's beat Sacred Heart yesterday in the Northeast Conference final, meaning they've secured either a 16-seed, or maybe even a spot in the play-in game.
-Andrew Wiseman