AU’s Double Chip Pleases the Eagle Nation

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Eagles get another Patriot League 'Chip', and gain accompanying NCAA bid.

March 15, 2009 – American University captured a consecutive Patriot League title Friday, and in doing so earned its second NCAA Tournament berth in as many years. To say members of the program were ecstatic is an understatement.

“It feels great, especially for our seniors” said the school’s fourth year point guard, Derrick Mercer, in the midst of post game celebration following his team’s 73-57, Bender Arena win over Holy Cross in Northwest Washington, DC. “It’s a great way for us to be remembered”.

Mercer (center) and American's team with Patriot League hardware.

Mercer, who played the entire game finishing with 13 points and five rebounds was speaking of the seven members of his class, including Garrison Carr and Brian Gilmore; Carr, a shooting guard (24 points) and small forward Gilmore (18 points, seven rebounds), along with Mercer were involved in breaking the game open.

At the first half’s 11:55 mark, Holy Cross, which finished the season at 18-14 overall and 11-3 in league play, led 9-8 in large measure to their 2-3 matchup zone, an alignment that seemed to stymie the Eagles shooting and penetration.

American’s coach, Jeff Jones had previously directed his team to attack that scheme’s center (via Gilmore) – a classical tactic against 2-3 zones – and those instructions then paid off, as Carr was able to sink two three pointers, causing Holy Cross to call time out now down 12-9.

Upon their return, the Crusaders, or ‘Saders as their fans chant, adopted a man to man defense, but the switch provided the same results, as American lead 25-18 at the half.

Jeff Jones, the Eagles’ head coach, simply said of the tactical changes “We started attacking in the lane”, bringing about his desired result of opening up the defense for shooters.

The second half saw a plucky group of Crusaders go down battling, but for most of the stanza find themselves down double figures. Though Gilmore, the Patriot League Tournament’s MVP was a factor throughout, the backcourt tandem of Gilmore and Mercer, both named All-Tournament, routinely answered every Holy Cross charge.

“They mean so much to this program” said Jones of the guard duo. “Not just what they bring to the court, but they are outstanding ambassadors for the school and the program off it”.

Next up for American (24-7, 13-1) is a Thursday evening, first round NCAA tournament tilt with the Big East Conference’s Villanova Wildcats. As the tournament’s Eastern Region 14th seed, the Eagles must travel to Philadelphia for their date with Villanova, slotted third.

Despite Philly being the Wildcat’s hometown, senior forward Garrison Carr has shared with media outlets the opinion Villanova’s guard-centric construction and focus may bode well for American, given their similar structure. Jones believes having lost to Tennessee in last year’s Big Dance a boon, as his players, a group that has won 13 straight games this season, is experienced in playing on big stages.

Last night after his team’s 106-104 nail-biting victory over Sacramento, Washington Wizard head coach Ed Tapscott focused on American’s accomplishment: Having coached the Eagles from 1982 – 1990, Tapscott, though a self-described NBA lifer roots for his former school.

“I missed the game because we had practice” he said of the win, “but it was great. I’m definitely happy for J.J. (Jones) and everybody in the program. It’s a great honor”.