This is technically the Old Spice Classic consolation game. It might as well be the grand prize for D.C. area hoops fans.
It appeared that the powers-that-be tried desperately to keep Georgetown and Maryland separated in Orlando, Fla., despite their mutual involvement in one of the year’s most anticipated early-season tournaments, placing them at the opposite ends of the draw.
But the basketball gods had something else in mind, and thus the Hoyas (3-1) and the Terrapins (4-1) will meet for just the third time in nearly 29 years and just the first since the 2001 NCAA Sweet 16.
“It’s a game that’s ironic we’re playing here,” said Terrapins head coach Gary Williams, hinting at reasoning that keeps this match-up unspeakable inside the Beltway — the problem of venue.
The two teams last met in a non-tournament setting in 1993 at the USAir Arena in Landover — a “home game” for Georgetown. The Hoyas never agreed to a return game, there are hints that the Terps are also uneasy about playing at Verizon Center.
Old Spice Classic
No. 21 Georgetown vs. Maryland
Where » Disney Wide World of Sports Milk House, Orlando, Fla.
When » Sunday, 5:30 p.m.
TV/Radio » ESPN2/106.7 FM, 570 AM
