WASHINGTON (DC News Now) – As usual, the local college basketball teams in the DMV are well represented in March Madness. Here’s a look at where the teams we cover are heading in the posteason.
Maryland Men’s Basketball
Matchup: No. 4 seed Maryland vs. No. 13 seed Grand Canyon – West Region
When: Friday, March 21, 4:35 p.m.
Where: Climate Pledge Arena – Seattle, Washington
The Terps put together one of their best seasons this century, earning a No. 4 seed.
This is the highest seeding since the Terps were a No. 4 seed in 2015. This is Grand Canyon’s fourth trip to the tournament in five years under head coach Bryce Drew. Last season, as a No. 12 seed, the Antelopes upset No. 5 seed Saint Mary’s in the round of 64.
The winner of this matchup will meet No. 5 seed Memphis or No. 12 seed Colorado State in the round of 32. Florida is the No. 1 seed in the region.
Maryland Women’s Basketball
Matchup: No. 4 seed Maryland vs. No. 13 seed Norfolk State – Birmingham 2 Region
When: Saturday, March 22, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Xfinity Center – College Park, Maryland
This season has had its fair share of challenges for the Terps. Entering selection Sunday, it seemed like the Terps would be heading on the road in the tournament. Instead, Maryland will host the first two rounds of the tournament in College Park.
This is the 15th straight trip to the NCAA tournament for Maryland under head coach Brenda Frese. The Terps bowed out in the first round last year, but made a run all the way to the elite eight in 2023.
Norfolk State just won the MEAC for the fourth straight year, beating Howard in the title game.
The other matchup in this part of the region is No. 5 Alabama vs. No. 12 Green Bay. The No. 1 seed in the region is South Carolina.
George Mason Women’s Basketball
Matchup: No. 11 George Mason vs. No. 6 Florida State – Spokane 1 Region
When: Saturday, March 22, 7:45 p.m.
Where: Pete Maravich Assembly Center – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
After winning the Atlantic 10 conference tournament a week ago, head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis and the Patriots sat comfortable knowing they were in the big dance for the first time in program history.
The team held a watch party at EagleBank Arena celebrating their tourney berth Sunday night.
George Mason seems primed for a cinderella run, but the Seminoles have made the tournament 12 consecutive times. Despite this, the Seminoles have not a won a game in the tournament since 2019.
American University Men’s Basketball
Matchup: No. 16 American University vs. No. 16 Mt. St. Mary’s – First Four (South Region)
When: Wednesday, March 19, 6:40 p.m.
Where: University of Dayton Arena – Dayton, Ohio
Fresh off their Patriot League title win, the Eagles celebrated in style at Bender Arena Sunday night. Heading to the First Four in Dayton, the Eagles are in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2014, an impressive feat for head coach Duane Simpkins in his second season leading the program.
The Eagles have been on fire with fifth year center Matt Rogers leading the way on the court. They’ll face a familiar foe in Mount St. Mary’s who they played last season, from up the road in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
The winner of this matchup will play No. 1 seed Duke in the round of 64. It remains to be seen if Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg would play in that game.
