My personal pick six...

Six overtimes. Can you believe it? Syracuse and UConn went toe to toe for 70 minutes last Thursday in the Big East quarterfinals--hands down one of the best games I've ever seen on TV...which made me wonder what my top six games seen live might be. Some are no-brainers--others I didn't know would be special until I was looking up at a clock showing zeros. All stay with me--the buzz of the arena when the crowd realized something incredible was going to happen.



February 2008--Maryland Women over Florida State, 92-84 ... senior day for coach Brenda Frese's first whopper recruiting class Crystal Langhorne, Laura Harper, Ashleigh Newman and Jade Perry. The first two became stars that helped deliver the 2006 National title-- the second pair were just as valuable as role players who subdued egos for the betterment of the program. Coach Frese was also returning from a brief maternity leave-- (her twins had been born one week earlier)...trailing by eight with under three minutes left, the Terps closed regulation with an 11-3 run--and then Kristi Toliver took over by scoring 8 of the team's 16 points in the extra session. My finishing call on our broadcast--"Overtime--their time...one last time!"

February 2007--Maryland Men 89, #5 North Carolina 87 ... Gary Williams' program had missed back to back NCAA's and was on the mat with a 3-6 conference mark just a few weeks earlier...but four straight double digit wins over Duke, NC State, Clemson and Florida State had the Terps thinking tournament--only to welcome conference leader North Carolina. The fifth rated Tar Heels were talented as always and showed it by jumping out to a quick 24-11 lead...and then UNC's ADD surfaced. DJ Strawberry took over (27 points and leadership that doesn't show up on the stat-shet) while big men Ekene Ibekwe, James Gist and Bambale Osby took over underneath (32 points and 26 rebounds over a combined 70 minutes)--as the Terps outrebounded the Tar Heels by 13.

Trailing by 12 with 7:14 remaining, the Terps closed the game on a 24-10 tear that saw two seniors shine--Mike Jones netted 9 of his 18 points in that spurt while Ekene Ibekwe hit four free throws in the final 71 seconds. As time expired, students at Comcast rushed the floor--and Maryland was on its way back to the big dance...with authority.

March 1997--Indiana HS Regional Finals...Delta 56, Anderson 48 ... the final season of single-class basketball saw an upset for the ages as the unheralded Eagles shocked the big-city Indians in their home gym--an 8,996 seat arena known as the Wigwam. Coach Ron Hecklinski's team hailed from the powerful North Central Conference--a league known for state titles (9 of the previous 22) and Mr. Basketballs (15 that included the likes of Steve Alford and Jay Edwards) while the lightly regarded Eagles were moving from the White River to the Hoosier Heritage Conference. But somehow Paul Keller's plucky team behind the combination of Tyce Schideler inside, Petey Jackson outside and Billy Lynch at the controls (only in Indiana do kids still go by Petey and Billy) was enough to deliver victory--and give fans one last ride through the month of March as the Eagles advanced to the state championship game. Flash-forward 12 years: Anderson's population has declined 20% in the last 30 years as many of the General Motors jobs that were the backbone of the area are gone; amidst budget deficits and a troubling economy the city of Anderson is considering closing the Wigwam--which no longer draws even a third of its capacity.

March 1995--Division II East Regional Semifinals...New Hampshire College 113, St. Rose 110 (overtime) ... the Penmen had to contend with 7-foot center Garth Joseph (in D2 6-5 is tall)--thankfully NHC's David, 5-foot-9 Rob Paternostro poured in 44 points and coach Stan Spirou's bunch was on its way back to a third straight Elite Eight appearance. This was my first year providing color analysis to our broadcasts on WGIR as I was the studio host for the previous two winters--and I had pulled an all-nighter preparing features for our coverage before anchoring sportscasts that morning. Powered by Mountain Dew and the excitement of the New Hampshire College Fieldhouse--I kept pace with voice of the Penmen Rich Levine for 45 action-packed minutes...and only stepped on his call once or twice at the end of the game...(sorry Rich). In the "where is he now?" category, Rob Paternostro is now coaching in England after a 13 year career overseas.



March 1990--Syracuse 89, Georgetown 87 (overtime) ...my buddy Max and I painted our faces Orange and Blue (with Blue S's and Orange U's) as SU and Gtown wrapped up an incredible first decade of Big East dominance--squaring off on the final day of the regular season for the title and top seed in the upcoming conference tournament. This was a game that saw Hoyas coach John Thompson get ejected in the first half (SU would knock down a free throw, all four shots on JT's double technical and can a three-pointer to post a TEN POINT PLAY)...the Hoyas would rally and take a two point lead on a pair of free throws by Alonzo Mourning with under ten seconds remaining. All was lost as Billy Owens unleashed a 35-foot prayer...but he was fouled by Sam Jefferson--sank two free throws and the Orange won in OT. Postscript: everyone thought this was the precursor to a Big East Finals battle between the two schools--not realizing UConn was on its way to a first of many Big East championships.




December 1986--Manchester West 78, Nashua 76 (2OT) ... it all began with an early season Class L affair between a Blue Knight squad that had won 2 games the previous winter against the defending champion Purple Panthers...it was the beginning of the "Bleacher Creature" Era on 9 Notre Dame Avenue--led by senior class president Ed Pease, the rowdy and often inappropriate student section (holding up newspapers, wearing blond wigs, throwing dog biscuits, calling refs "Miracle Whip" and players "Stubby McGillicuddy") would receive a lot of heat from the NHIAA over the next two winters. I had always been a football guy--cutting my sports fan teeth watching college football with my dad and then pro football with 3 newspapers at my fingertips. This evening changed everything --it was like the first time I heard REM's "Fall on Me"...I discovered a new world I didn't know existed.

Oh yeah, the game. Somehow coach Tommy Ameen's team jumped out big early before being reeled in by the fourth quarter. Last-second shots by Nashua knotted things up at the end of regulation as well as the first extra session. Tim O'Connell's reverse layup with four seconds left sealed a program-changing victory for the Blue Knights- they'd make the state playoffs that winter, post a winning record the following season and reach the final four in 1990 before finally realizing their dreams of a State Title in 1993. Tim's gamewinning basket? It was his first field goal of the game. While that might not be strange--I told you about the gametying shots at the end of regulation and the first OT? Those respective players' first baskets of the night as well.

ACC Bold, Fold and Gold...

The Atlantic Coast Conference will proudly state throughout the weekend that theirs was the first and best college basketball conference tournament and theirs is the best of the league tourneys. While the luster has been lost a little with league expansion--this tournament is still the Boardwalk and Park Place of college hoops.

As is the case just about every year, there are a few schools competing for top seeds (North Carolina and Duke) plus more than a few scrambling for at-large berths (Boston College, Virginia Tech, Maryland and Miami). Plenty of thrills, chills and spills to go around.

BOLD: Boston College has always played well in the ACC's...from it's run to the finals in 2006 to the Eagles' first round upset of Maryland last March. Tyrese Rice is the type of guard that can take over two or three straight games--averaging 17 points and 5 assists a game. BC's first round opponent Virginia appears to have fired its late-season bullet with their win over Maryland--and the Eagles match up well with Duke (BC beat the Blue Devils 80-74 February 15th).


FOLD: Wake Forest has been inconsistent this winter (they followed up a win over Duke with a loss to Georgia Tech)...they're young (Jeff Teague and James Johnson are sophomores while Al-Farouq Aminu is a freshman)...and not in as desperate shape as Maryland--the Terps needing two wins to solidify their at large hopes...or as ACC Tourney karmic as North Carolina State-the Wolfpack have recently turned March runs into a cottage industry (1997, 2007). Wake beat Maryland by two and split with NC State.


GOLD: North Carolina and Duke--no two schools more define their league with the exception of Ohio State and Michigan in football. The Tar Heels and Blue Devils have combined to win 11 of the last 12 ACC Tournaments--although the last UNC-Duke title clash was in 2001. This year the two titans tangle...with the hungrier Blue Devils taking advantage of the Heels recurring ADD (Boston College, Maryland). Duke cuts down the nets.

Big East Bold, Fold and Gold picks...

I grew up on Big East Basketball. I believe in the Big East--from Hoya Paranoia to 30,000+ at the Carrier Dome clapping out of rhythm. Despite the sixteen school membership (it's not ideal when you have to scroll up and down just to see the entire standings) and despite the fact that recently I have covered the ACC on a more day-to-day basis, my heart still resides in Dave Gavitt's dreamchild.



This year the conference is as good as ever: four contenders for a #1 seed (yes, I include Villanova), four other worthy tournament teams capable of damage in March (yes, Providence makes the field in my book) plus three schools that had a berth in their fingertips if they had only executed down the stretch (sorry Georgetown, Cincinnati and Notre Dame).



Which brings us to five (yes, I'm not crazy about that either) days of excitement and madness at Madison Square Garden...and plenty of thrills, chills and spills...



BOLD PICK: Since dropping seven straight games, Notre Dame has taken five of eight-- including four double digit smackdowns (one against league champ Louisville)... Mike Brey has the Irish playing better and has Luke Harangody (23 points and 12 boards a game) at his disposal (despite the fact last year's Big East Player of the Year looks just like the guy who took Brenda Walsh to her senior prom). Honorable Mention--Syracuse has gotten its act together and as a 6th seed could do damage on its half of the bracket...and does anyone remember the McNamara magic of '06?



FOLD PICK: Just a few weeks ago Marquette was being bandied about as a potential top seed--until Dominic James got hurt. Since then the Golden Eagles have dropped four straight and is still trying to find itself post-James. It's never good to be shaky going into MSG in March.
Honorable Mention--Syracuse is known for early round losses (Villanova in '91, Seton Hall in '94, Georgetown in 2000) where they've marvelously underperformed...and they're due for another stinker.


GOLD PICK: With Marquette falling by the wayside, the top of the league has rotated between UConn, Pitt and Louisville...the three schools a combined 46-8 in conference play...:

Cardinals pro: Terrence Williams (13ppg, 9rpg and 5apg) and Earl Clark are miserable matchups for opponents--and Pitino's up-tempo style will be tough for anyone to slow down.
Cardinals con: Lville hasn't played anyone good since their February 2nd loss to UConn...and top seeds are known as much for mysterious collapses (UConn in '06, Syracuse in '00) than they are for great play in the BET.

Huskies pro: Hasheem Thabeet is the best pure big man this conference has seen in some time... unless you're shooting lights out you will have to go through him to the basket--and that's just not happening.
Huskies con: no Jerome Dyson means less depth and less three-point shooting...meaning a lot more bumping and grinding this week in the Big Apple--and one can only bump and grind so long without wearing thin.

Panthers pro: Dejuan Blair is possibly the only forward who can stand up to Thabeet--Sam Young is the type of wingman who explodes in March, and Pitt has been the most consistent team this season--and Levance Fields is a smart senior who will direct the offense to perfection. PITT IS IT.

Beltway Basketball Bonanza--Shammy Season plus a Better Big East

March Madness (American's 61-60 thriller over Army in the Patriot League semifinals) and March Sadness (George Washington missing the A-10 Tournament after losing to Temple) are already in full force...less than one week before hearts are broken, dreams come true and brackets are filled out. This month also marks the return of the Shamrock Shake, a McDonald's beverage of minty goodness that is not to be missed but difficult to find. You see, not every McD's participates in the Shammy promotion...leaving me dumbfounded more than once-- like many in the college basketball landscape.

Maryland had paid the cashier for its Shammy with quality wins over Virginia Tech and North Carolina before the shake machine busted in the manner of Saturday's loss to Virginia. Mamadi Diane always seems to have his best games against the Terps...and the senior shined one last time with 23 points. Deja vu anyone? Maryland wrapped up the regular season last year with a loss to 4-11 in the ACC UVa when a victory would have solidified its at-large status--this year the Cavs were 3-12 but put a dampener on the Terps postseason hopes. Next up: ACC Quarterfinals against North Carolina State Thursday.

By the way, I've engaged in a Larry Bird-Dominique Wilkins Eastern Semifinals Game Sevenesque contest of consumption of Shamrock Shakes with one of my friends--unfortunately I don't have Dennis Johnson around to bail me out for a few possessions this month.

Georgetown wrapped up its regular season with a dignity salvaging 48-40 defeat of Depaul. How bad are the Blue Demons? Umm, 0-18 in the Big East...the league's first winless club since Miami in '93. What makes things more ridiculous is this week's five-day, double-bye Big East Tournament...again, teachers across this great nation are thankful to the Big East because students will be reading instead of submitting themselves to watching Tuesday's undercard bracket...do I want to see Hoyas-St. John's again? Does Depaul deserve to even see Madison Square Garden, yet alone play a Big East Tournament game? Is anyone Tivoing Notre Dame (can't win on the road) against Rutgers (can't win anywhere)? Please tell me you're staying up late for the classic matchup of Seton Hall-South Florida.

In fact, I wish there could be some way to purge four schools from the league--any more than 12 teams makes for an unwieldy conference: I covered the 13-team Mid-American Conference and wonder what the deal is with a 14 team Atlantic Ten--note to A-10 and Big Ten, IF A NUMBER IS IN YOUR LEAGUE'S NAME YOU ARE HONOR-BOUND TO KEEP THAT TOTAL!

I would get rid of Depaul and Marquette; both are non-football playing schools in the midwest that would benefit more by pulling a Memphis and remaining big fish in the small pond of Conference USA (it would make that league a lot more fun to watch as well). I would give Notre Dame an ultimatum: join us in football or enjoy being an independent in your sports nobody cares about. They've been using the Big East far too long-- and South Bend is not the easiest place to reach. I would let Seton Hall join the Metro Atlantic--the league already has a New York City presence in St. John's and the Redmen/Redstorm are a historic pillar program of the conference...one school has memories of Chris Mullin and Walter Berry, the other has Andrew Gaze and Jersey Turnpike exits.

BIG EAST FOLD, BOLD AND GOLD PICKS TOMORROW...


George Mason and American are each one step shy of returning to the NCAA Tournament... the Patriots topped Towson in the CAA semifinals 56-48, outrebounding the Tigers 38-31 and holding Pat Kennedy's crew to 3 of 20 three-point shooting. Mason meets Virginia Commonwealth tonight in the finals. The Rams won the only regular season meeting between the two schools 76-71 January 24th--Eric Maynor scored 8 of his 28 points in the game's final four minutes...Mason was in position to win after hitting 50% of their threes and outrebounding VCU by 13. While the Rams look like the smart pick-- this is March and Mason is magical in March...plus they have Doc Nix and the best pep band around the beltway.

AU needed a three in the final minute and a free throw with 3.6 seconds remaining to nip Army 61-60...Brian Gilmore stepping up on both accounts. Gilmore also scored the team's first 12 points of the second half--taking the Eagles from a 38-27 deficit to a 39-38 lead. Their reward: a finals date Friday afternoon at Bender Arena against second seed Holy Cross. Each school won on its home court in their regular season matchups; the Crusaders prevailing 71-62 in Worcester while the Eagles won 56-50 in DC. By the way, the McDonald's next to Bender Arena on the AU campus is participating in the Shamrock Shake promotion. I'll pick the game later this week after more research (and more than a few Shammys).

Beltway Basketball Bonanza--Lion or Lamb?

February Fever turns into March Madness for the Beltway bunch...and while the beltway may have been blasted by a bunch of snow earlier this week, it's up to the various schools to determine whether or not they're lions or lambs this month.


Georgetown saw its at-large hopes take a major blow with Tuesday's 59-56 overtime loss to St John's...wasting a 15 point second half lead to the Red Storm...the inability to rebound (outmanned on the glass 42-22) hurt the Hoyas yet again--and it's nearly impossible to comprehend how Georgetown turned from a top ten team into an NIT hopeful...which is where they'll wind up barring a miracle run through the Big East Tournament. Next up: Hoyas wrap up the regular season Saturday with Depaul.

Big East Battles--the Hoyas are currently 13th in the conference standings and would face Seton Hall in the first round next Tuesday...a win over Depaul plus losses by Seton Hall and St John's would catapult Georgetown to 11th and a date with South Florida.

Maryland continues to walk the tightrope--winning games they should (triumphing at North Carolina State) and losing when they should (falling to Wake Forest)...while the Terps are on the cusp of an NCAA berth--a loss at Virginia plus an early exit in the ACC Tournament would come close to extinguishing their hopes. Next up: a visit to Charlottesville--last year a more talented team on paper dropped their regular season finale at John Paul Jones Arena...continuing their slide into the NIT.

ACC destinations--depending on how the final weekend pans out...Maryland's either 7th or 8th and will face Miami or North Carolina State in the first round next week.

George Mason wrapped up its regular season with a 71-59 win over Towson...the Patriots finished second in the Colonial Athletic Association despite losing five of their last six road games. Another banner night for Darryl Monroe inside as well as John Vaughan outside. GMU shocked the world last year with three straight wins in Richmond--can they do the same this March? Next up: the Patriots face the winner of James Madison-William & Mary in the CAA quarterfinals...they split their season series with the Dukes while topping the Tribe in their only meeting.

American's two wins away from a second straight NCAA Tournament berth after a 78-56 thumping of Lafayette in the Patriot League quarterfinals...the dynamic backcourt of Derrick Mercer and Garrison Carr combined for 39 points--while AU held the Leopards to 36% shooting. Next up: Sunday's Patriot League semifinals against Army--the Eagles beat the Black Knights by 22 and 24 in their two regular season meetings.

George Washington's late-season push into may not be enough to get the Colonials into the Atlantic Ten tournament. Despite winning three of five, GW's 77-62 loss to UMass means coach Karl Hobbs' crew needs to top 18-11 Temple and hope St Bonaventure loses its season finale in order to qualify for the A-10. Next up: senior night at Smith Center...one last chance for Rob Diggs and Wynton Witherspoon to shine in front of the GW faithful.

Howard wrapped up the regular season with a 54-48 loss to Hampton...committing 18 turnovers while Eugene Myatt shot 3 for 17 from the field. The Bison will be seeded tenth in the upcoming MEAC tournament and will face Norfolk State in the first round. The two schools split their regular season series--each winning on its home court... Myatt scoring 26 points in the home win-- 20 in the road loss.

Beltway Basketball Bonanza--Slumdog Millionaire Hoops edition...

The Academy Awards honored the film "Slumdog Millionaire" as the Best Picture of the Year---if anything that's what one feels like following college basketball in the area-- where a huge win or two transports one from the outhouse to the penthouse and a few losses does the exact opposite.

Georgetown dropped back to back games against Marquette and Louisville...landing with a thud against the Cardinals Monday night. The usual suspects showed their faces again (39% shooting, 3-16 from three-point range, outrebounded by 9)...and the onetime top ten Hoyas find themselves with a different ten--as in conference losses. Currently Georgetown's in 12th place-- and would play St John's in the first round of the Big East Tournament. Up next: a Saturday visit to Villanova.

By the way, I'm not a fan of allowing all 16 league schools into the Big East Tournament. The race for #12 in recent years was actually a nice subplot to the latter stages of the regular season--and now there's nothing pushing 4-10 St Johns or 3-11 South Florida. Seriously, do we need a fifth day of play in NYC with 0-14 DePaul and 1-13 Rutgers? I'll be watching the CAA, WCC or "How I met Your Mother"...

Maryland's 88-85 overtime win against North Carolina puts the Terrapins back on the map for this March--Greivis Vasquez's 16 straight points to start the game wasn't as much of a surprise as the Terps' rally from 16 points down in the second half--and finishing regulation with a 9-0 run to force OT. I've long said that UNC under coach Roy Williams has plenty of talent but suffers from basketball ADD...but there's no way one should have thought this Maryland squad could have matched up with this Tar Heel team. Next up: Duke comes to Comcast Wednesday night...be prepared for another monster fist-pump by Gary Williams.

With two weeks remaining in the regular season, the ACC race currently has matchups of #5 Wake Forest-#12 Georgia Tech (winner faces #4 Florida State), #6 Boston College-#11 Virginia (winner plays #3 Duke), #7 Maryland-#10 Miami (victor meets #2 Clemson) and #8 Virginia Tech-#9 NC State (for the right to face top seed North Carolina).

George Mason lost on the road--only this time it wasn't at a CAA foe...this time the Patriots fell at Creighton 76-63. Free throw shooting (10-17) continues to be a concern, as well as Mason's inability to win outside of Fairfax (six straight road losses). Still, 20 victories are within reach as is the top spot in the CAA. Next up: Wednesday at UNC-Wilmington...the Seahawks are last in the league but this is on the road.

I admit I was pulling for Frost-Nixon Sunday evening...unfortunately my faith in Oscar was betrayed by Dances with Wolves (made Ben Hur seem like a short) and Forrest Gump (let me get this--he ran from Atlantic to Pacific several times?). Oh, and Kate Winslet should have won for Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind.

George Washington's hopes for a 12th place finish in the Atlantic Ten and a ticket to the conference tournament took a hit when the Colonials lost 71-53 to Xavier. GW's 2-10 league record is one and a half games behind St. Bonaventure...and the window is closing.
Next up: Wednesday against 11th place Charlotte.

My favorite Oscar moment and subsequent snub--a few years ago when "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow" was nominated for best song...Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara sang the song in character as "Mitch and Mickey"...and then some song from the Lord of the Rings movie won.

American took a two game lead in the Patriot League by beating Holy Cross 56-50. Garrison Carr led the way with 28 points...and the Eagles held the Crusaders to under 40 percent shooting and forced 17 turnovers. AU needs to split one of its last two regular season games or one loss by Holy Cross in one of its final two tilts to wrap up the regular season title and home court advantage for the conference tournament. Next up: Navy comes to Bender Arena Wednesday.

What is the deal with the musical numbers at the Oscars? I know we've come a long way since Rob Lowe sang to Snow White--but who enjoys these things? Unless Will Ferrell and Jack Black are singing "you're boring"...I'm out.

Howard bounced back from a tough loss to MEAC leading Morgan State by outscoring Coppin State 81-74...Eugene Myatt's 41 points tied a career high for the best player around the beltway noboby knows about...while Curtis White added 17 points in the victory. At 6-7 the Bison are in a three way tie for 6th...depending on what happens over the final three regular season games, Howard could finish as high as second or as low as tenth place in the conference standings. Next up: Saturday at second place North Carolina A&T.

Beltway Basketball Bonanza--plus cookies and Presidential brackets...

One reason why I enjoy the finishing kick towards the conference tournaments is this is the time of year Girl Scout Cookies arrive...the perfect snack to enjoy while watching a Big East battle royale or an ACC extravaganza... although I did learn last year that in some parts of this fine country Cookie titles have been "dumbed down". Yes, in parts of South Carolina and Pennsylvania--kids aren't selling "Tagalongs" but rather "Peanut Butter Patties"... and if that wasn't bad enough, "Samoas" are called "Caramel Deelites". Not only a lame title that leaves nothing to the imagination, but do we have to spell delight "deelite"? Think about kids across this nation growing up thinking one spells delight "deelite", splendour "splenda" and Captain "Capn" (thank you Crunchberries for not only putting out an easily soggy cereal but one that doesn't spell correctly".

Georgetown bounced back from a tough road loss at Syracuse (I still can't believe the Hoyas had a chance to win at the end of regulation)...drilling South Florida 65-40. Coach John Thompson III's team outrebounded back to back opponents for the first time in memory this winter while sophomore Chris Wright and freshman Greg Monroe are both responding to their first full conference schedule (Wright was injured much of last year). Also, sophomore Nikita Mescheriakov has seen increased minutes over the last few weeks and appears to be doing a lot of the little things that don't show up in the stat-sheet. Next up--the hammer/anvil combination of Marquette and Louisville...two teams the Hoyas notched hard fought victories against last year.

Speaking of South Florida--here's a little bit about the big man that got away from College Park: Augustus Gilchrist finished with 11 points and 3 rebounds over 23 minutes for the Bulls...the freshman is averaging 10 points and 4 rebounds while shooting under 40% from the field...would he have made a difference with the Terps this winter--and how much of a difference?

Maryland followed up a fantastic 83-73 win over Virginia Tech with a 93-64 loss at Clemson that was a five-point game with 17 minutes remaining in regulation. The Terps just couldn't stop the 13th ranked Tigers, allowing 57.8% shooting from the field...the absence of a productive big man continues to hurt as Maryland was outrebounded for the fifth straight game. Amidst the Washington Post special articles and dual press conferences, Landon Milbourne is quietly having a solid season-- averaging 13 points and 6 rebounds a game...Next up: hammer and anvil, ACC style: home games with North Carolina and Duke...the bright spot being if the Terps can steal one of those two they leapfrog back into the NCAA consideration pack.

Interesting series of articles in last week's Washington Post regarding the current state of Terrapin Nation--this site has mentioned the seemingly rotating door for assistant coaches over the last few years as one reason why recruiting has been down. The AAU culture was an interesting read as well--I just wasn't into Saturday's wrapup...it kind of seemed tacked on. Much like a lot of my work here I know, but it didn't give me as much as Thursday's article did.

George Mason despite all of their road woes find themselves one game out of first place in the CAA with two conference games remaining. The Patriots need Virginia Commonwealth to lose twice while sweeping their remaining slate--tilts at UNC-Wilmington (3-13) and against Towson (4-12). GMU got into position to be in position by downing Northeastern 64-53 and nipping Drexel 49-48...Darryl Monroe's gamewinning shot with seven seconds left capping a night where the senior tallied 15 points and 9 rebounds. Next Up: Bracket-Buster at Creighton.

C-Span recently released their presidential rankings--and naturally as a college hoops fan I envisioned a bracket of the 42 former leaders...I mean who wouldn't want to see a second round matchup of #15 Clinton against #18 GHW Bush? Or the dream regional of #27 Nixon-#38 Harding (scandal showdown) with the winner facing #6 JFK? By the way, the undercard of Kennedy-Nixon II(this time it's personal)-- would be #11 LBJ - #22 Ford... with Gus Johnson announcing: "THE POLLS CLOSE! AND WE GO TO THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE!"

George Washington had a shot at a tie for 12th place in the Atlantic Ten slip through their fingers...getting smacked around by Charlotte for 25 minutes (and trailing 50-20 with 14:39 remaining)...opportunities to climb back up into the A-10 tournament are out there: four of GW's remaining opponents have losing conference records. Coach Karl Hobbs' crew surprised us last year with much-improved late season play--so why not this February? Next Up: St. Bonaventure's 4-7 in league action--has lost 5 of 7 and three straight road games.

Other Presidential Bracket-busters: potential regional semifinal battle between Eisenhower (master general) and Wilson (master peacemaker)...as well as Jackson-Polk in a regional final battle reminiscent of Knight-coach K in the '92 Final Four..."Old Hickory and the Little Napoleon"...

American moved a game ahead of Holy Cross in the Patriot League standings with a 58-36 triumph over Army...the Eagle defense shining once again (allowing 27% shooting by the Black Knights after allowing 31% by Colgate and 30% by Bucknell). Coach Jeff Jones received another fine effort from his backcourt--Derrick Mercer notched 17 points while Garrison Carr added 13...Mercer's had seven games where he hasn't scored in double figures this winter--just one of them has come in league play. Next up: a Patriot League showdown with Holy Cross that will go a long way towards determine who has home court for the conference tournament. AU lost at the Crusaders 71-62 last month in what has been the Eagles lone loss since December 22nd.

My Final Four: #1 Lincoln over Eisenhower, #13 Jackson over #12 Polk, #2 Washington over #10 Reagan and #3 FDR over LBJ...with Lincoln upending Roosevelt in the finals...with Jim Nantz's not-canned final call "AND HONESTLY, IT'S ABE!"

Howard's high-flying February came to a thud with back to back to back losses...the last a 74-69 defeat against MEAC leader Morgan State--a game where the Bison wasn't as much outshot but outrebounded and turned the ball over an unlucky 13 times. The Bears have obviously been reading this blog and my heralding of Eugene Myatt as the best player nobody knows about in and around the beltway came back to haunt Howard's leading scorer...as Morgan State held the senior to a league play-low 12 points. Next up: a Monday night matchup with tied-for-second place Coppin State.

Beltway Basketball Bonanza-- hoop season's like a box of chocolates...

Valentine's Day for me always had a measure of danger-- would I wind up happy or heartbroken? You think you've played your cards right and have made the right decision--only to find you've made the worst mistake possible--bad chocolate choice. Nothing's worse than choosing wrong when eating from a box of Chocolates -- you can't leave a half-eaten piece where you found it (at least once you turn ten years old). Area hoop fans open their respective boxes this weekend--hoping for coconut or caramel and dreading "Rummed Pear".

Georgetown's margin of error shrunk with last weekend's loss to Cincinnati. The elements present in the Hoyas swoon were evident again--poor shooting (0-8 in OT) and an inability to rebound. A 4-7 Big East mark means the team likely needs to win five of its remaining seven games to solidify NCAA consideration. John Thompson III's team visits Syracuse this weekend...a place where they've lost the last two seasons--despite having the better team.

Maryland picked up a huge road ACC win at Georgia Tech Sunday despite shooting 36 percent from the field...thankfully they were able to turn over the Yellowjackets 24 times. Unfortunately that's the last they'll see of Paul Hewitt's team in the regular season. The Terps host Virginia Tech Saturday--last year the Hokies took both tilts...including a game in Comcast where one of their players vomited on the court.

George Mason's road woes continue with losses at James Madison and Delaware...two games where the Patriots shot 5 of 26 from three point range and 21 of 42 from the free throw line. The good news is three of GMU's final four CAA games are in Fairfax; they also face a Northeastern team that's cooled off somewhat (Huskies have dropped two of three).

George Washington missed a chance to move into a tie for twelfth place in the Atlantic Ten...slipping against La Salle 68-57 despite 20 points from Damian Hollis. GW gets another chance Saturday--facing current 12th place Charlotte in what will be the first of two games against the 49'ers...can't wait for the return game at the Smith Center.

American's the hottest team in the Beltway with five straight wins...AU's 2 point victory at Bucknell saw the Eagles' defense hold the Bison to 30% shooting. Coach Jeff Jones' team appears to be on a collision course with Holy Cross for the Patriot League title...before the two teams tangle a week from Saturday the Eagles host Colgate and Army (combined 16-30 record this winter).

Howard has gone from the MEAC cellar to a five way tie for fourth place thanks to four straight wins...the latest a 59-43 thumping of Delaware State where the Bison held the Hornets to 29% shooting. The challenge for Eugene Myatt (still the best beltway player nobody knows about) and company is--now that they've joined the conference's middle class, can they stay there? Four of the six remaining MEAC games are against schools tied for fourth with Howard; the other two are against league-leader Morgan State and second place Hampton.

Presidential Separation--a Preston's Perspective Classic...

initially appearing last year...

Hope everyone has a fun Presidents' Day planned-- the holiday brings a very pressing matter to mind: Just one holiday for 43 people? I'm all for honoring our nation's leaders-- but does James Buchanan deserve equal billing with George Washington? Did Benjamin Harrison have the same impact as Franklin Roosevelt?

I believe it's completely unfair; we as a country place a premium on being a successful chief executive but then honor everyone with the same 1/43 share-- that's 2.33%. Thomas Jefferson brought us the Louisiana Purchase, and gets less than a 3% tip?

The solution: create a Presidents' Day Weekend. Separate the wheat from the chaff and honor those who don't make the cut on Friday afternoon/evening, followed by "Super Presidents' Day" on Monday.

Who exactly is a "Super President"?
1--Must be deceased-- (sorry Bill)...

2--Mount Rushmore-- If you are chiseled into the side of a hill-- you qualify. That means Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt.

3--Money-- You get consideration if you're on a coin or a dollar bill-- but it's not automatic. Sorry Grant, Cleveland and McKinley--congratulations FDR, Wilson and Jackson.

4--Veterans Committee-- An alternating honoree from the 19th and 20th centuries--two highly underrated chief executives: James K. Polk is my 1800's choice for this year; Harry Truman my 1900's representative for 2010.

5--Partisan Picks-- Let's throw a bone to each party by adding Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy--as each respective party is looking for the next Reagan or JFK anyway. There you are-- ten super presidents honored together the third Monday of February-- while the other 33 share a happy hour at Tchotchkies (Grant would love that).

Beltway Basketball Bonanza... who'll make March memorable?

February is a transition month--for the first time since July there's no football urgency and we're still a ways away from Grapefruit and Cactus League games...as previously mentioned in this space I like to look at this month through the college basketball lens -- titling it "February Fever"...much like October in college football, this operates as a "moving month" where schools try to be in position...to be in position for the big dance. Unfortunately most of the area schools are dancing like Ronald Miller ("it's the African Anteater Ritual") without the benefit of once dating Cindy Mancini.

Georgetown stopped a five game losing streak by beating Rutgers--a 57-47 grinder that won't win style points with anyone...another game where the Hoyas got hot from three point range (7 of 18) but got outrebounded (28-25). The next few games represent a somewhat of a breather in Cincinnati, Syracuse and South Florida (a combined 13-16 in conference play) before back to back tilts against heavyweights Marquette and Louisville. Conventional wisdom is the Hoyas need to finish 9-9 in the league to have a shot at the NCAA's...they're five wins away with eight games remaining.

SB XLIII thoughts--what have we done to deserve another thrilling finish? For the fifth time in nine years what used to be called the "Super Bore" has given fans fourth quarter heroics... the new hit this year was Nikki's corn-bread...which I consumed in between the buffalo chicken dip (pregame only)...and the butter bars (after the first half). Also, Larry asked me only 12 times if I was having a good time. Thank goodness the game wasn't a rout.

Maryland played well over the last week, getting an emotional win over Miami at home (nobody fist-pumps like Gary Williams) before falling at North Carolina...with a surreal "vote of confidence" from Athletic Director Debbie Yow sandwiched in between. All the right things were said, although it had the feel of a Liza Minnelli-David Gest press conference. The Terps can crawl back into the ACC's middle class with wins against Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. How they'll do it with an underachieving frontcourt and an inconsistent backcourt is anyone's guess.

Alma Mater update--SU's early top ten prospects have dimmed somewhat...although they had a nice victory over a gritty West Virginia team. On the bright side, I'm still able to watch every game at a downtown DC location where the wings are 25 cents apiece while the game's in progress...unfortunately one of my fellow alums didn't understand and downed four Bloody Mary's during the team's loss to Louisville on an empty stomach. He then had to call his parents to pick him up; adding that the only reason he drove into DC was because he didn't think he'd be drinking. Hello? You went to A BAR!

George Mason bounced back from a heartbreaking loss at Old Dominion (I thought the game tying shot was going down instead of rimming out) to smack Hofstra 78-54. John Vaughan's recovery from the concussion continues...the senior tallied 16 points and 7 rebounds in the win over the Pride. Yes, that's right--Hofstra's nickname is "the Pride"...although I heard "Dignity" was the runnerup. The Patriots have a showdown with Northeastern coming up on Valentine's Day--but first have to take care of James Madison and Delaware; both games are away from Fairfax and GMU is 2-3 on the road in the CAA.

24 musings--it's always weird seeing 90210-castoffs on 24 (in season two Jack drugged the guy who took Brenda to the senior prom--Luke Harangody's lookalike)...the newest one is Gil (the senior journalism teacher Andrea had a crush on) as the "bad secret service agent". Glad we've given up on the whole mole thing, people.

American stands tied atop the Patriot League with the only blemish on their conference mark being a loss at co-leader Holy Cross. While Garrison Carr (17ppg) and Brian Gilmore (42% from three-point range grab the bulk of the headlines, Derrick Mercer's improvement in directing the offense and Jordan Nichols' gritty rebounding represent the glue the Eagles will need to hold things together for a late-season drive. Next up: road trips to Lehigh and Bucknell.

Girls Hoops? Congratulations to Tennessee women's coach Pat Summitt for posting her 1,000th career victory...and enduring Bob Knight referring to her sport as "girls' basketball". Reminds me of when I announced Ball State women's games in the late 90's and my analyst referred to them as "gals"--one step above "chicks" or "babes" on the evolved male scale. A note to Bob Knight: whether or not you enjoy the sport, give the women their due and title them properly... and good luck if you get the boys' job at Georgia.

George Washington's having the worst winter since Valley Forge; and even those colonials had Pepperpot Stew (my mother made it every Feb 22). GW has dropped eleven straight (insert Spinal Tap remark here)--with the last six coming by ten points or less. Coach Karl Hobbs' team can still make the A-10 Tournament: they play 12th place Charlotte twice and host 13th place Fordham this weekend. Next up: tomorrow against the Rams (9-29 combined record on the Smith Center floor)...

Howard won back to back MEAC games over North Carolina A&T and Norfolk State; the league's Saturday-Monday travel arrangement makes two game swings all the more prevalent. Eugene Myatt (AKA the best beltway player nobody knows about) is getting some major help of the bench from Randy Hampton (23 points over 40 minutes in the Bison's two victories). Next up: back to back home games against Maryland-Eastern Shore and Delaware State (combined 5-11 conference mark)...