WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — With March Madness quickly approaching, the DC News Now sports team ranks the top five local men’s and women’s teams.
Men’s rankings
No. 5 – George Washington – 17-9 (6-7 Atlantic 10)
Local Resume: Lost to American University 81-71 in overtime, lost to George Mason twice (80-77 in 2 OT and 53-50)
The Revolutionaries are a young team led by head coach Chris Caputo. They earn a spot in our rankings as they’ve played both American and George Mason tough.
No. 4 – American – 17-10 (11-3 Patriot)
Local Resume: Beat George Washington 81-71 in overtime, lost to Navy 81-58
American struggled a bit earlier in the season, including a puzzling 23 point loss to Navy, but the Eagles do boast an overtime win over George Washington. Duane Simpkins’ team has won 10 of its last 11 games in Patriot league play.
No. 3 – Georgetown – 15-10 (6-8 Big East)
Local Resume: Has not faced a local team this season.
For Ed Cooley’s Georgetown Hoyas it has been an up and down season with some good wins and some tough losses. It’s no question the Hoyas have taken a huge step forward in year two under Cooley and they’ll try to make a push in March.
No. 2 – George Mason – 21-5 (12-1 Atlantic 10)
Local Resume: Beat George Washington twice (80-77 in 2 OT and 53-50)
George Mason is one of the best stories right now in college basketball. After taking George Mason to the final four as a player, head coach Tony Skinn is now building something special as the program’s head coach. Mason has won 11 straight games and is first place in the A-10. With 21 wins, the Patriots already have their most wins since 2013.
No. 1 – Maryland – 19-6 (9-5 Big Ten)
Local Resume: Has not faced a local team this season.
With freshman Derik Queen leading the way and some solid depth, the Maryland men’s basketball team is starting to click and climbing up the Big Ten standings. Maryland has won six of its last seven games and is ranked No. 17 on KenPom. Maryland has been discussed nationally as a possible dark horse to make a run in the big dance.
Women’s rankings
No. 5 – Navy – 15-9 (7-6 Atlantic 10)
Navy has split its local matchups this season and has dropped five of their last six games. While Navy has been struggling lately, but started the season off strong.
No. 4 – Georgetown – 11-14 (4-10 Big East)
After a special first season for Darnell Haney, his Hoyas continue to show flashes in his first official season leading the way for the Hoyas. The Hoyas posted an impressive 7-4 record in non-conference play.
No. 3 – Howard – 14-9 (7-1 MEAC)
Local Resume: Lost to Georgetown 69-63, beat George Washington 69-66, beat American 75-46
The Howard Bison have gone 2-1 against local teams and find themselves at No. 3 in our rankings. Howard is currently second place in the MEAC, with their only conference loss coming to first place Norfolk State. The Bison won the MEAC in 2022 and will try to replicate that in the coming weeks.
Local Resume: Lost to Maryland 66-56, beat George Washington twice (87-55 and 91-50), beat Georgetown 63-55
George Mason could honestly have a case for No. 1, but they did lose to Maryland earlier in the season by 10. George Mason boasts three wins over local opponents. Currently on a 10-game win streak, the Patriots are second place in the A-10. Based on ESPN bracketology, George Mason is one of the first four teams out.
No. 1 – Maryland – 19-6 (9-5 Big Ten)
Local Resume: Beat George Mason 66-56
While they are struggling right now, the Maryland women’s basketball team is still holding on to the No. 1 spot in our rankings. Shyanne Sellers continues to lead the way for the Terps, but they’ll have to go through the rest of the season still without Brianna McDaniel, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. The Terps will look to bounce back in late February and March.
