George Washington is technically the underdog against California in tonight’s NCAA second round. On top of that, the Colonials also essentially are the visitors against the Bears, playing just down the road from their home in Berkeley.
But the Colonials (26-6) have been here before — their current senior class has reached the second round in each of their four seasons — while Cal is coming off its first NCAA win in 15 years and has never advanced to the Sweet 16.
“That senior experience, if you’re a coach, you really want to lean on that,” said Colonials head coach Joe McKeown. “We lost to North Carolina, we lost to Tennessee, and we beat Texas A&M. Four straight years they’ve been in this game to go to the final 16. Hopefully, they’ll end up 2-2.”
One significant Colonials newbie, junior college-transfer Antelia Parrish, was solid in her NCAA debut, with 15 points, including 4-for-9 shooting from 3-point range in the first round win over Auburn. McKeown also singled out senior guard Sarah-Jo Lawrence, who had 11 points, five assists and just two turnovers.
The Bears (27-6), who will set a school record for wins in a season with a victory, expect to be without reserve center Rama N’diaye (6.8 points, 5.7 rebounds per game) after the 6-foot-5 sophomore injured her right knee in the first round against San Diego.
