Maryland (15-8, 5-4) bounced back from an 18 point loss to Duke by drilling Wake Forest... now the Terps get a breather against independent Longwood (aka the Washington Generals of Division I) before resuming ACC play. And that means two games against schools the Terps have already lost to (Boston College and Virginia Tech) at home... plus two more on the horizon involving ACC contenders Florida State and North Carolina. Coach Gary Williams' teams have earned a reputation over the years (2008 the exception) as one that plays its way into the Tournament after strong play on the "back-eight" of the ACC schedule. Time for the new generation of Terps to follow suit.
Cruising the Commonwealth-- Virginia Tech (15-7, 5-4) has assumed the usual position as a bubblicious bunch... and with Malcolm Delaney slumping from the field the Hokies need more production from the likes of Jeff Allen. Virginia (12-11, 3-6) faces a gauntlet of contender Florida State, league leader Duke and revenge minded Virginia Tech. Sayonara, season.
Georgetown (18-5, 7-4) escaped a nailbiter with Providence (more than a trend: the third straight one-possession game for the Hoyas)... and find themselves in the Carrier Dome this week for a duel with #12 Syracuse. The Big East's signature rivalry deserves a Big Monday moment-- but I'll settle for wings on Wednesday. Watch Austin Freeman and Chris Wright tonight-- if they're hitting from three point range... Hoya Saxa-- if not, Hoya Suxa.
Alma Mater Update-- back to back wins have ended the slide that was the worst for the Orange since '06. They also dropped four straight in 1992... and won the Big East Tournament that season as well. So there's precedent for the SU fans who think with their orange-tainted hearts (of which I am one). Can Scoop Jardine run the half-court offense effectively against the Hoyas? And shouldn't "Scoop" be the name of a character from a 1930's newspaper film starring Cary Grant?
George Mason (20-5, 12-2) turned a suspect season into a sensational one over the last month... the ten straight victories include a 17-point beatdown of CAA contender Old Dominion and sets up a huge February 15th faceoff with second place Virginia Commonwealth. Cam Long's steady hand is proving the difference-- during the 10-game run he's had just one game with more turnovers than assists.
George Washington (12-11, 5-4) after disposing of bottom-feeder Charlotte returns to the haves... by hosting tied for third in the Atlantic Ten Richmond. Tony Taylor tallied 25 points and 9 assists against the 49ers... what will he do against the Spiders?
Maryland Womens' moment-- February Frenzy, indeed. The Terps (20-3, 6-2) have won 6 straight ACC games to slide up the standings into first round bye territory; Sunday's 88-59 beatdown of North Carolina State saw a 15-6 run to close the first half plus a 21 point run to put the game away in the second half. Kim Rodgers' recent play has been huge-- her three-pointer won the game at Georgia Tech and a key three started the rally against the Wolfpack. With her emergence, Lynetta Kizer now has room to operate underneath (ACC Player of the Week). Thursday, another step towards the top involves a trip to the team they're tied for third in the league with-- Miami.
American (16-7, 6-2) battles Bucknell for first place in the Patriot League... and the Eagles fell to the Bison at Bender Arena. The inability to handle Mike Muscala (24 of his 33 points came after halftime) and poor three-point shooting (21%) contributed to AU's defeat. Which perimeter presence will show up-- the bunch that hit 53% against Lafayette or the group that made 5 of 17 against Lehigh?
Howard (8-15, 3-7) avoided the MEAC's cellar by defeating South Carolina State 65-53. Sophomore sensation Mike Phillips tallied 10 of his 26 points during a key 18-6 run for the Bison... giving the HU faithful plenty of confidence in tomorrow as there's a young nucleus emerging at Burr Arena.
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