American University Eagles Aim For Historic NCAA Tournament Win

The American University Eagles have finally made their mark in the 2025 NCAA Tournament following a triumphant return after more than a decade away, winning the Patriot League title. With a season record of 22 wins and 12 losses, the Eagles find themselves on a four-game winning streak under head coach Duane Simpkins.

The road to the tournament was paved with victories, the most notable being a thrilling 71-69 win against Lafayette, a 72-62 triumph over Colgate, and a decisive 74-52 championship victory against Navy. These efforts earned the Eagles an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament where they will battle the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers in the First Four on March 19.

Despite their impressive journey, history looms large for the Eagles. They are yet to win a game in the NCAA Division I Tournament, holding an 0-3 record from previous years. Their last appearance was in 2014, when they faced tough losses, including defeats to Tennessee, Villanova, and Wisconsin.

American University is located just four miles northwest of the White House in Washington, D.C., where it boasts an enrollment of over 13,000 students. The Eagles’ basketball program, while having not clinched a tournament victory at the highest level, does hold three Elite Eight appearances in Division II.

As the Eagles prepare for their showdown against Mount St. Mary’s, both teams come into the game with identical season records of 22-12. However, their journeys illustrate opposing paths; while the Eagles are making their first trip to the First Four, the Mountaineers have familiarity with the high-stakes landscape of March Madness, participating in five previous tournaments.

The matchup between the two teams showcases an interesting contrast in style. The Eagles rely heavily on a slow-paced game, ranking 358th nationally in terms of pace, and their offensive strategy reflects this, placing them 335th in points per game. Conversely, the Mountaineers average 70.3 points per game while allowing 70.0 points, indicating a relatively more aggressive approach.

Entering this tournament, American University acknowledges its weaker strength of schedule; their best win this season came against George Washington, which holds a NET ranking of 124th. In contrast, Mount St. Mary’s only claimed a victory over Merrimack, ranked 182nd. Both teams are hoping to change their fortunes and make history this tournament.

The stakes are high for the Eagles, who are aiming not only to secure a tournament win but also to prove themselves against a Mountaineers squad that aims to advance further into the tournament. The winner of their matchup will face the No. 1 seed, Duke, in the next round scheduled for March 21.

Coach Duane Simpkins is in his second year at American University and has garnered attention for his leadership and character on and off the court. In 2020, he was listed among the Top 50 Most Impactful Mid-Major Assistants according to Silverwaves Media, showcasing his rising profile in collegiate basketball. This season, he has also been recognized as a finalist for both the Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award and the Ben Jobe Award, acknowledging his commendable work within the sport.

American University’s participation in this year’s tournament signals a new chapter for a program looking to cement its place in NCAA history. With aspirations soared high, the Eagles hope that this tournament will mark the beginning of a new era where the Eagles can break their tournament curse and soar to new heights.

This week’s NCAA Tournament has generated buzz across the basketball community, as teams vie for the ultimate title in college sports. The Eagles’ matchup against Mount St. Mary’s is part of a series of games designed to narrow down the field of candidates as they head towards the Final Four on April 7. With eager fans awaiting the results, it's a thrilling start to the tournament season, promising drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments.

As American University approaches their game with high hopes, both players and fans are ready to embrace the challenge ahead. March Madness is upon them, and with an energized atmosphere at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio, the Eagles are set to show the nation what they are made of during this much-anticipated NCAA matchup.