It’s almost March Madness, and while a few area teams (like Georgetown) will be dancing no matter what, a few others need to win their conference tournaments. George Washington was one of those after finishing 17-14, a surprisingly high 5th in the Atlantic 10 conference. Unfortunately for Colonials fans, after last night’s overtime loss to St. Joseph’s Hawks, they’ll be hoping for a bid to one of the lesser tournaments. Throughout the night, GW looked lethargic and was down by as much as 14, until the team, spurred by the Charles E. Smith Center crowd, came alive with 5 minutes to go. The Colonials started to force turnovers and scored at will, tying it up with 30 seconds to go thanks to point guard Tony Taylor, leading all scorers with 22. After another Hawks turnover GW had the ball with a chance to win it, but missed two short shots with time expiring. In overtime, the Hawks dominated, outscoring the home team 22-10. The crowd was the biggest all year and internet celebrity Robert Kasmir was on hand for the game, but wasn’t tossed out this time. The Maryland Terps’ hopes are still alive, with the ACC tournament starting tomorrow. They play NC State in the first round.

While much of America is focused on the NCAA Men’s Tournament, we are forced to turn elsewhere upon the elimination of our area’s three teams. And come on, you know you aren’t going to win that office pool your friend pressured you to join. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternative sports viewing options this week. Feel free to leave your own in the comments. TUESDAY The Washington Capitals just won’t quit. They’ve been scrambling among…

Another wild week awaits area hoops fans. The madcap, non-stop college hoops action of Thursday and Friday represents the pinnacle of sports viewing for many fans. Sneaking out of work, bracket in hand, for an extra hour of lunch is an annual ritual for many a weary office drone. At this point next week, our brackets will be hopelessly crumbled, highlighted and marked with cryptic marginalia. Right now, however, hope springs eternal. Don’t forget to…

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…