The 2012-2013 season was a disappointing one for the locals, with just one area team securing a bid to the Big Dance. But with so many teams in the Washington metropolitan area, we thought we’d take the time to give you the rundown on how the local squads (under-) performed this season.
Georgetown: The Hoyas (25-6, 14-4 Big East) were the only team from the region to reach the NCAA Tournament, finishing second in the Big East and sweeping their arch rival Syracuse for the very last time. Georgetown earned themselves a No. 2 seed against Florida Gulf Coast, and while many doubt the Hoyas ability to advance far in the tournament based on past results, this year’s squad boasts Otto Porter, one of the best players in the country. The sophomore forward leads the Hoyas in nearly every category, including scoring, rebounds, and steals. Georgetown tips off against the Eagles on Friday, March 22 at 6:50 p.m. on TBS.
Maryland: The Terrapins (22-12, 8-10 ACC) should have changed their slogan from “Fear the Turtle” to “If Only.” If only they had beaten North Carolina in the ACC Tournament. If only they hadn’t let a 17-point lead slip away against Virginia in their regular season finale. If only they had defeated Florida State just once this season. If only they had played a tougher out of conference schedule. The Terps were on the outside looking in on Selection Sunday, but at least Maryland gets to go to a postseason tournament for the first time in two years. They’ll be hosting Niagara at the Comcast Center tonight at 7 p.m. in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament.
Virginia: The Cavaliers (21-11, 11-7 ACC) finished fourth in the ACC, beating Duke and NC State along the way, while also posting a head-scratching loss to Old Dominion, who eventually finished 5-25. Junior Joe Harris impressed, scoring 17 points a game, but the team’s dreadful out of conference strength of schedule and RPI of only 76 doomed them to the NIT, where they’ll face a pretty strong Norfolk State team at 9 p.m. tonight. Harris and the next six highest scorers all return next season, which bodes well for the ‘Hoos.
George Mason: Things were looking up for the Patriots (18-14, 10-8 CAA), who beat Virginia and lost a close one to New Mexico early in the year. They were winning by 24 over Northeastern in the CAA semifinals, only to lose in the final seconds. The team still looks solid under second year coach Paul Hewitt, leading scorer Sherrod Wright will return next year, and they’ll face the College of Charleston in the NIT at 7pm today.
George Washington: The Colonials (12-17, 7-9 A-10) had a .500 season until they swooned, losing 7 of their last 10 games and barely making the A-10 tournament. GW almost beat tourney teams Butler, Temple, Kansas State and Saint Louis at home, but let them all slip away late. The team has some hope though, as they started 4 freshmen for most of the season and the key backups return next year as well. Brighter days may be ahead in Foggy Bottom.
American: The Eagles (10-20, 5-9 Patriot League) slumped after two seasons with at least 20 wins. They lose a lot of seniors next year, so there may be some rough times ahead.
Howard: The Bison (7-25, 4-13 MEAC) had a rough year, but at least they were 5-7 at home. They lost in the first round of the MEAC tourney.
Andrew Wiseman contributed to this report
