SPORTS INSIDER – Wizards snap losing streak with rout of Pistons; local schools headed to NCAA Tournament

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Ceci Ferrara
March 15, 2016
Sports Writer
Sports Insider
After five straight losses, the Washington Wizards were in dire need of a win. On Monday night, at home for the first time in nearly 10 days, they delivered, ending the drought with a 124-81 blowout victory against the Detroit Pistons.

While those who tuned into the nationally televised match-up may have expected to see a lopsided game; they probably thought eighth-seed Detroit (34-33) would be on top. Instead, the Pistons trailed by 19 after the first quarter and as much as 44 in the game. They appeared blind-sided by the Wizards — who hadn’t won a game since March 2nd — and were a completely different team than expected.

Perhaps underestimating Washington, the Pistons were sloppy. They committed 21 turnovers, including seven in the first quarter. The Wizards capitalized on those mistakes, adding 15 points in turnovers. They also had trouble at the rim. While Detroit shot 40.5%, the Wizards shot 56.7%, including 44.4% from 3-point range.

Bradley Beal, who had missed three games with a sprained pelvis, returned to the starting lineup for Washington. In 25 minutes of play time, the guard scored 12 points and had 5 rebounds. Beal, the Wizards’ second-leading scorer behind John Wall, has had a limited impact this season due to injuries. His presence was a welcomed addition, which helped revive the struggling team.

Nene led Washington scorers with 20 points, while Wall added his 39th double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 assists. Marcin Gortat added 16 points and six rebounds on what was a red-hot offensive night for the Wizards. The 43-point victory was the team’s largest win in over 10 years (2002-03 season) and is the fourth largest in franchise history.

The victory over the Pistons tightened the playoff race in the Eastern Conference, and gave Washington renewed hope at a post-season berth. Though their chances are still slim, if their slump is truly over, and they continue to win important games, they have still have a shot. They have another big game on Wednesday, when the Bulls come to town. Chicago also won on Monday night, nabbing the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference from Detroit.

A victory against the Bulls would have huge playoff implications for the Wizards. The teams will play Wednesday night at Verizon Center.

Men’s NCAA Tournament

While Georgetown and George Mason will be staying home for this year’s NCAA Tournament, several other local schools are getting their shot at the dance.

After an impressive season, the University of Maryland Terps got a No. 5 seed and will face No. 12 South Dakota on Friday, March 18th. The Terps (25-8) were strong all season, but faced various slumps which tested their resilience. They lost by three points to Michigan State in the semi-finals of the Big 10 Tournament, but their comeback from a 12-point deficit showed they never give up. The Terps, who won one national title in 2002 under Gary Williams, are hoping to make a deep run during March Madness.

The Richmond based VCU Rams (24-10) are another team familiar to the tournament. The No. 10 seed Rams will face No. 7 Oregon State (19-12) in their first game on Friday. While Oregon State is ranked higher, they haven’t even won 20 games this season. The Rams, who are without coach Shaka Smart for the first time in six years, will look to prove they can make it without their renowned coach. Smart, who coached the team from 2009-2015, left after last season to become head coach at Texas.

The Rams’ new head coach is a familiar face, though. Will Wade, who has led the team to the tournament in his first year as head coach, was part of Smart’s staff, including when the Rams made it to the Final Four in 2011. If the Rams advance deep enough, it’s possible they could face their old coach. Texas (20-12) is currently a No. 6 seed in the same division (West).

Virginia (26-7) is the only No. 1 seed from the area. They will face the No. 16 Hampton Pirates (21-10) on Saturday, and a loss would be historic. No. 1 seeds are 124-0 versus No. 16 seeds. Last year, all four such match-ups were decided by double digits and it’s been 20 years since a No. 16 seed has come even close to a victory. In 1996, Western Carolina lost to Purdue by just one possession, 73-71.

Though it seems highly unlikely Virginia will head home after Saturday’s game, never say never.

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