>>The votes are in and as of now, it looks like the Washington Wizards will not be represented in this year’s NBA All Star game. Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, both elected last year, will have to make other plans for All Star weekend after the coaches left them off of their ballots this year. Arenas is a suprising omission given that he’s fourth in the entire league in scoring in addition to the three rebounds and six assist he give the Wiz each and every night. Despite the snub, Arenas has one last chance to make the roster. NBA commissioner David Stern must still announce a replacement for the Pacers Jermaine O’Neal, elected as a starter by the fans but unable to play because of injury, sometime next week. However, a DCist source tells us Jason Kidd will get the nod instead. Look for Arenas to send a message to the league tonight at home against Cleveland.
**UPDATE** As many commenters have noted, Arenas was just selected as O’Neal’s replacement. Justice is served. Pardon us while we go flay our inside source.
>> No doubt buoyed by their recent DCist coverage, the Maryland women’s hoops team knocked off the #1 ranked UNC women on the road in Chapel Hill last night. The Lady Terps needed an extra session to get the W, but outscored the Lady ‘Heels 15-13 in OT to make sure there are no unbeaten teams left in Division 1. The Terps fought back from a 14 point defecit in the last 12 minutes of regulation, including Ashleigh Newman’s long 3-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into OT. The Terps are now tied with the ‘Heels at the top of the ACC standing with Duke hot on their tails.
>> New Nat Alfonso Soriano must be real beat up about losing his salary arbitration hearing. Instead of getting the $12 million he asked for, the judge awarded him ‘only’ $10 million. The verdict, which is considered a ‘win’ for the owners, is still the highest salary ever awarded in arbitration, topping the $8.2 million awarded to the Braves Andruw Jones earned in 2001. Think he’ll play the outfield for 10 large next season?
>> Lots of great local hoops action coming our way on TV this weekend. Duke and Maryland renew their rivalry on Saturday at 1 p.m. on CBS. But be sure to get your remote ready for some hot channel flipping action at 2 p.m. when #8 George Washington tips off against St. Joe’s in Philly on ESPN2. Non-televised action includes George Mason hosting Towson on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Georgetown at West Virginia on Sunday at 7 p.m.
