Below, a handful of game-day watch parties and specials to celebrate the tournament’s launch.

In a memo to the University of Maryland community today, President Wallace D. Loh justified the school’s move to the Big 10 from the Atlantic Coast Conference as one in its athletics program’s best economic interest.

Let’s be honest: unless you’re Rachel LaBruyere or hail from Richmond, the men’s NCAA Tournament has lost a bit of its luster for D.C. homers. Georgetown and George Mason failed to advance past the tournament’s first weekend, and the tournament itself has packed up from the Verizon Center, taking it’s insane finishes and Kemba Walker’s acrobatics along with it. But though local interest in the men’s tournament is waning, the women’s competition actually has some regional juice, featuring a matchup between long-dormant rivals Georgetown and Maryland.

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…

Written by DCist contributor Brett Gellman Last night’s game against Virginia Tech (15-11, 6-6 ACC) was a pivotal one for the Maryland Terrapins (17-10, 7-5 ACC). It was an opportunity for the recently resurgent Terps to lock up an important home victory, notch another win in their ACC record, and improve their RPI. Prior to last night, Maryland would’ve been considered a lock for the NCAA Tournament (most pollsters had them penciled in as a…

Written by DCist contributor Brett Gellman Well, who saw that coming? The Terrapins (12-7, 2-2 ACC) stunned the nation last Saturday by defeating the (now former) top team in the country, North Carolina, 82-80 in an instant classic in front of a nationally televised audience. And this was at The Dean Dome, no less. Gary Williams orchestrated one of his finest coaching jobs, as the future Hall of Famer guided his team to the program’s…

Written by DCist contributor Brett Gellman Maryland Basketball (10-7, 0-2 ACC) snapped its four-game winning streak after losing to Virginia Tech last Saturday in heartbreaking fashion, 67-66. The Terps were missing Eric Hayes, the team’s starting point guard, for the second straight game due to an ankle sprain, and it was highly evident from the results on the court. Greivis Vasquez took over the ball-handling duties and had a horrid night: 2 of 14 from…

By DCist contributor Brett Gellman The Maryland Terrapins (9-6, 0-1 ACC) have experienced their fair share of ups and downs now that we’ve reached the midway point of the season. After an encouraging win against Illinois in the ACC/Big 10 Challenge back in November, the Terps suffered a three-game losing streak which was punctuated with a stunning loss to American at the Comcast Center just a few days before Christmas. It was AU’s first win…