Last year American senior guard Garrison Carr didn’t tell anyone about his recurring dream of winning the Patriot League until after American had the conference championship and the automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament that came with it.
This season the Eagles (19-7, 11-1 Patriot League) are on course for both a second straight conference tournament top seed and title. But unlike Carr, senior forward Jordan Nichols hasn’t been able to sleep a wink.
“My mind starts racing with everything that’s going on and what could happen, how much is happening in the next month,” said Nichols. “After we lost to Holy Cross the first time, I honestly couldn’t sleep for about three weeks until we played them again.”
The Eagles beat the Crusaders last weekend for their 14th win in 15 games, and they can claim the No. 1 seed and home-court advantage throughout the Patriot League Tournament with a win over Navy (18-9, 7-5).
But a regular season title is still just a consolation prize. The only way to get back to the NCAAs is to win the tournament. The expectations have also grown on campus, where there’s plenty of reluctance to give up Cinderella status.
“Last year everyone was just along for the ride and happy to be doing what we were doing, winning all the games,” said Nichols. “This year we’re actually ahead of our pace last year, and the pressure seems even more because if we don’t win, then we haven’t accomplished anything.”
Not quite true. Regardless of the outcome, Carr, Nichols, along with other seniors Brian Gilmore, Derrick Mercer, Frank Borden, Bryce Simon and Frane Markusovic will be honored after tonight’s game.
“It has the potential to be a big night,” said Carr. “If we’re able to clinch the league and have it on Senior Night, that would definitely be a memory to go down in the books.”
local games
Navy at American
Where » Bender Arena
When » Tonight, 8
TV/Radio » CBS College Sports/1050 AM
No. 7 Duke
at Maryland
Where » Comcast Center
When » Tonight, 9
TV/Radio » ESPN/106.7 FM
Charlotte
at George Washington
Where » Smith Center
When » Tonight, 9
TV/Radio » MASN/1500 AM
George Mason
at UNC Wilmington
Where » Trask Coliseum, Wilmington, N.C.
When » Tonight, 7
TV/Radio » MASN/1260 AM
