While ODU’s postseason basketball fortunes were yet to be determined by press time, both the men’s and women’s teams had good reason to hope for the best in their respective conference tournaments as they approached their final regular-season games.

Through Jan. 28, the youthful Monarchs had an 6-3 CAA record, including an amazing 74-71 comeback win on the road at George Mason after being down 20 points in the second half. Trailing 63-43 at the 11:27 mark, ODU outscored the home team 31-8 down the stretch, avoiding a sixth straight loss to the Patriots while recording the biggest comeback in ODU Division I history.
Overall, the Monarchs were 11-7, with nine conference games remaining on the schedule. The CAA Tournament will be held March 5-8 in Richmond.

Led by sophomore sensation Alex Loughton and senior John Waller, coach Blaine Taylor’s squad posted impressive non-conference wins against Virginia Tech and George Washington early in the season.

Loughton, a 6-9 center from Perth, Australia, turned in one of the best performances by any collegiate player this year when he tallied 45 points, 15 rebounds and six assists in a 105-102 double overtime home loss to Charlotte. His 45 points set an ODU Division I school record.

The Lady Monarchs, 11-6 (6-1 CAA) through Jan. 25, are hoping for their 13th straight CAA championship. They host the conference tournament March 10-13.

Coach Wendy Larry’s squad posted early-season non-conference wins against then No. 7 Penn State, Charlotte, North Carolina, Florida International and Georgia Tech. Playing one of the toughest schedules in the country, the Lady Monarchs also came up on the losing end to Colorado, Auburn, Virginia Tech, Rutgers and Tennessee.

Throughout the season, ODU has been led by senior Monique Coker, who was forced to play the center position following the preseason ACL injury to 6-6 Corrina Turner, her third ACL tear since becoming a Lady Monarch.

Through the first 17 games of the season, the 6-1 Coker was averaging 14.9 points and 9.2 rebounds. Junior guard Shareese Grant posted averages of 14.1 points and 3.4 assists.