As November settles in and the holiday season draws near, the DMV sports scene continues to captivate fans from all over. From historical moments, thrilling victories, and tough losses, it’s still an incredible time to be a DMV sports fan.
Below are some highlights from the captivating week, while previewing what is to come in the future.
Georgetown Men’s Basketball Moves to a 4-0 Start
Georgetown Men’s Basketball remained undefeated this past weekend, grinding out a 79-74 victory over Clemson in front of an energized Capital One Arena.
With 8,562 fans in attendance, the packed crowd was present to take in the program’s 4-0 start, which hasn’t been done since 2018.
“[Leading] up to this game started in the summertime. Playing a very competitive Canada trip, very competitive exhibition games, going to Maryland so we’re able to play against high-level competition that prepared us for what we just played, an NCAA tournament team,” said Georgetown Head Coach Ed Cooley. “It’s a great win not just for Georgetown, but a really big win for the Big East.”
After falling behind early due to foul trouble of both centers Vince Iwuchukwu and Julius Halaifonua, the Hoyas leaned on the solid scoring of junior guards KJ Lewis and Malik Mack to stay within striking distance.
“Getting in transition, getting to the free-throw line, and being more physical in the second half,” Lewis said, referencing his focus areas of improvement as an athlete. “I don’t think I was that physical in the second half, so credit to my teammates for finding me in transition.”
The Hoyas gained momentum early in the second half, highlighted by a thunderous slam dunk by Lewis that tied the game at 46. Even after Halaifonua fouled out with just 14 minutes remaining, Georgetown kept pushing, eventually igniting a crucial 9-1 run and putting them ahead 60-51.
Clemson threatened late, trimming the lead to two, but Lewis sealed the game with a clutch, game-winning sequence, which featured a steal, an and-one finish, and a mid-range jumper that pushed the Hoyas towards success.
Although faced with foul trouble early on, Iwuchikwa managed to keep his composure, playing the final stretch without fouling out, scoring the final bucket and helping the Hoyas lock down the statement win. As memorable as the on-court performance was, the electric student section and full arena energy revived a new era in Georgetown basketball.
With enthusiasm surging, the Hoyas look to keep the momentum going into the next matchup, which is set for Saturday, Nov. 22 at Capital One Arena. Tip-off is set for noon.
“I want to thank our crowd. The energy really helped us,” said Cooley. “The players talked about that. I really appreciate the DMV. Our students were unbelievable and that’s the energy that we were looking for and hoping for. I definitely think they were a key factor with the win…so I really appreciate them showing up and giving us all the love. And I thought our players responded.”
Maryland Women’s Basketball Improves 5-0 After Commanding 84-68 Win Over Princeton
The Maryland lady Terps rolled past Princeton 84-68 on Sunday afternoon at the Xfinity Center, with tennis phenomenon Francis Tiafoe in attendance for the thrilling victory.
“We’re just really, really proud of this team. You saw what it took to be able to get this really, really good win; Princeton is a really good team,” said Head Coach Brenda Frese. “It is going to be impactful for us, when you talk about the future and why we play games like this. For us playing with eight new players in this type of environment, and having one practice after losing a key player in our lineup, I thought we didn’t even flinch.”
The Terps developed a 12-0 first-quarter run to seize control early and never looked back. The win improved Maryland to 5-0 for the 10th time in the coach Brenda Frese era, and continued its offensive surge, topping 80 points for the fifth-straight game this season.
Despite losing starting guard Lea Bartelme to a season-ending ACL tear in the team’s victory against the Towson Tigers on Nov. 13, the Terps showed no signs of weakness. Four players scored in double figures led by junior guard Oluchi Okananwa’s 20-point performance, her fifth consecutive double digit scoring game this season.
“We’re extremely sad for Lea. And know that she’s got all the support from us in this long recovery process,” said Frese. “We’ll be there for her each and every step of the way, but it allows a lot of our younger players to step up and grow a little faster and quicker. That’s why they came here and are built for that moment.”
Redshirt senior guard Saylor Poffenbarger followed closely behind with 19 points, six rebounds, and three steals, cementing her impact on both ends of the floor.
Freshman guard Addi Mack made her first career start in Bartelme’s absence, delivering an impressive 35-minute outing as she recorded 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Senior guard Kaylene Smikle added to the victory with dominant effort–a perfect day from the free-throw line. This marked Smikle’s third 10-for-10 free-throw stripe in her career.
Although the Lady Terps had an impressive offensive performance, Okananwa emphasized that it was their defensive play that kept the team’s momentum going.
“My philosophy with defense is that it’s really all hard,” said Okananwa. “Of course there’s techniques to it, but really it’s your willingness to defend, and I think that the intensity that we brought in terms of that is really what helped us in this game.”
The Lady Terps will be back home at Xfinity Center to face off against Bethune-Cookman University, a historically Black institution, on Thursday, Nov. 20. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.
“We knew just having so many new players— that blend of young and old— that we wanted to be really intentional with the schedule, but I just love the fact that we’re growing every single [time] we step out on the court,” said Frese. “We’re improving in practice and we’re improving in games, and that’s all you can ask for.”
DC Power FC Secures 3-1 Victory Over Fort Lauderdale United DC
DC Power FC notched a thrilling 3-1 victory over Fort Lauderdale United FC on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Audi Field with midfielder Dasia Torbert starred in her first professional appearance.
Torbert opened the scoring in the 20th minute after a precise feed from forward Gianna Gourley, marking the latter’s second assist of the season.
“I thought tonight they came out of the gates playing that way and it showed,” said Head Coach Omid Nazami.
Torbert scored her second goal of all-time in the 40th minute, this time assisted by midfielder Emily Colton, also marking her second assist of the season.
“The whole time I was kind of antsy on it,” Torbert said. “I could see it from the jump that they were very weak on their weak sides and they had a lot of space, so every single time either Gianna or Anna would cut in, I was going. I was ready, so it was just a matter of time that they got the ball off their foot in the drive to play, and I was able to finish.”
Forward Loza Abera sealed the win with a header in the 83rd minute, giving Power FC a comfortable margin. Midfielder Alexis Theoret was a standout, winning a team-high 13 duels and completing 90 minutes in her 10th consecutive start. The win improves DC Power DC to 3-3-4 (13 points) as they remain a force to reckon with in the GainBridge Super League.
The DC Power FC will be back at Audi Field on Friday, Nov. 21 to take on the Carolina Ascent FC. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
DC Power FC is celebrating their victory as they prepare to return to Audi Field on Friday, Nov. 21, to take on the Carolina Ascent FC at 7 p.m.
“I felt we dominated the first half, got a couple goals, mismanaged the last five minutes in the first half and gave up a goal on a set piece,” Nazami said of the Nov. 12 matchup. “Overall, I was very pleased with our effort.”
Wizards Suffer 11th Straight Loss of the Season, Yet Momentum Continues
The Washington Wizards dropped their 11th straight game, falling 129-106 to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night.
Despite both teams entering the matchup with identical 1-11 records on Nov. 17, the Wizards struggled to capitalize on what seemed like a team that they could beat.
“We started off okay, we were turning them over to start the game, but I think when adversity hit us, that’s where I was disappointed,” said Head Coach Brian Keefe. “We fouled when we shouldn’t, we didn’t dig in when they made certain runs. This group has never done that. That was disappointing on all of our ends, and we have to own that.”
Although the loss wasn’t ideal for Washington, there were small statement wins that remain crucial to the team’s development over time. The Wizards ended a six-game streak of allowing opponents at least 12 offensive rebounds and even snapped a two-game streak of giving up 20 or more second-chance points.
“I thought they were just too comfortable from the getgo, said Keefe. “We did turn them over early, our force was there but after that, the contest level, the force, the scramble, the hustle to make these things contest to make them miss, I did not think was there.”
Forward Kyshawn George had a solid offensive showing, recording 29 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Unfortunately, he fouled out for the third time in 12 games. He’s picked up five or more fouls nine times, and four or more in 11 games which has become too much as a young player in the league.
Center Alex Sarr has proven to be a bright spot for Washington in his second year, but he struggled against Brooklyn and even fouled out joining George not being able to finish down the stretch.
Guard Bilal Coulibaly returned to the starting lineup after missing four games due to muscle tightness. Against Brooklyn, he shot 2-of-6 from the field, recording six points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Veterans CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton continue to record proficient performances, but unfortunately are not as noteworthy due to the loss at hand. McCollum recorded 17 points, shooting 6-of-12 from the field, tallying two rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Meanwhile, Middleton recorded 14 points shooting 4-of-7 from the field, tallying five rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
The Washington Wizards are set to travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves at the Target Center. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.
“We have an off day tomorrow,” George said before sharing the advice Keefe offered the team.
“‘Look at yourself in the mirror and answer the deeper questions.’”
George unpacked the head coach’s lesson.
“It’s more than basketball,” he continued, before sharing the questions Keefe asked the team. “‘What do you really want in life? What do you want to build? What are we going to do as an organization?’ And just make sure you answer the question correctly and come with the correct mindset the next day.”