Washington Area Weekend Review

Saturday was an extremely busy day for Washington area sports.  The date began with the Maryland Terrapins capturing their final ACC conference game against the N.C. State Wolfpack.  Maryland was dominant early and often, as C.J. Brown led the way for the Terrapins finishing with 5 total touchdowns.  Brown looked a lot like the quarterback we saw early in the season passing and running with great effectiveness.  On the day, Brown threw for 259 yards and ran for an additional 138.  Maryland did a fantastic job capping off drives with points, and scored at will building a 34-14 halftime lead.  The Terps iced the victory with several important defensive stops halting any Wolfpack hopes of a comeback. The 41-21 win will be the Universities last win in their 61-year history as a member of the ACC.

Nov 30, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback C.J. Brown (16) runs the ball as North Carolina State Wolfpack defenders Brandon Pittman (39) and Dontae Johnson (25) pursue during the first half at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Later in the night, the Capitals took to the ice as they traveled to New York to face off against the Islanders.  The Islanders had several great opportunities to seize an early lead, but were to no avail as goaltender Braden Holtby, who had 37 saves on the night, shut the door.  Finally, in the second period, Aaron Volpatti finished in front of the net to give Washington the 1-0 lead.  Holtby continued his stellar play in the period, and the Caps entered the final session clinging to a one-goal advantage.  In the early goings of the third, it was the Islanders who started hot, as Cal Clutterbuck knotted the score at one.  Then, with just under two minutes remaining, Thomas Vanek’s wrister found the back of the net for a late New York one-goal edge.  Washington, however, surmounted a comeback of their own as Nicklas Backstrom’s slap shot sent the game into overtime where it was all Capitals, as Alex Ovechkin slashed through the Islanders defense and beat New York goaltender Anders Nilsson for the overtime victory.

Onto the hardwood we go, as the Washington Wizards rebounded nicely from a tough loss in Indianapolis, topping the Atlanta Hawks 108-101.  John Wall led the way for the Wizards scoring 26 points and dishing out 12 assists.  Also, playing well for Washington was Trevor Ariza, whose recent return from injury has been a major boost for the team.  The Wizards dominated play for much of the game, and thanks in part to five three-pointers from Martell Webster held on for the eight-point win.  Washington is now just one game under .500 with an opportunity to reach the elusive mark tonight against the Orlando Magic.

Nov 30, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards power forward Nene Hilario (42) dribbles the ball as Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) defends during the second half at the Verizon Center. The Wizards defeated the Hawks 108 – 101. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

All in all, it was an extremely successful weekend for Washington area sports teams hoping to find their way into the post season.