When you think of college basketball in DC, one of the furthest things on anyone’s mind is the American University Eagles. But — once a year — students don their red, white, and blue apparel inside Bender Arena for the “BIG” game of the season i.e. Phil Bender.

This year’s game is a rematch of last season’s Patriot League championship between the 2008 defending champion Eagles and the Holy Cross Crusaders. Granted, this is no “We Are Georgetown” packed house at the Verizon Center, but it’s as close as AU gets.

AU Men’s Basketball made it to the NCAA tournament for their first taste of March Madness in school history in 2008, followed by a repeat appearance in 2009. They were knocked out in the first round, but if there’s anything that could have and should have been learned it’s that school pride reigns supreme when sports are involved.

To make this whole thing even better, if you like free stuff — there will be plenty of it to choose from! Guapos is scheduled to make show up with some free eats, the AU Student Government will be handing out rally towels, there will be Robeks smoothies for the taking, in addition to free Coca-Cola products.

And — if you’re feeling scandalous — AUSG is offering face/body panting. Note: There will only be BLUE paint (and maybe some white). So Holy Cross fans, if you want to cover yourself in purple, bring your own supply.

The game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. tip-off. Tickets are still available via the internet and same-day at the Bender Arena Box Office.

Photo by Dorry Samuels.