Yes, the Generals were brought out of retirement by Kenny Smith to try and fix the long-tarnished reputation.
There was a lot of hope that the Washington Generals would be able to end their infamous four-decade long losing streak in the first round of The Basketball Tournament on Saturday.
It didn’t happen.
Despite a strong 22-point outing from former NBA guard Sundiata Gaines, and 13 points from ex-St. John’s player Malik Boothe, the famed opponents of the Harlem Globetrotters lost a close battle with the Matadors 76-72.
There were seven ties and eight lead changes throughout the 40 minutes of play, but a big three-pointer from John Roberson with under 30 seconds to play put the Matadors up four, and the Generals couldn’t come back. Jeffrey Crockett and Quincy Diigs both scored in double figures for the Texas Tech alumni squad.
Aquill Baynard chipped in 15 points, but him and the other Generals forwards were unable to control the glass, being out-rebounded 43-28.
The Matadors earned themselves a date with the #1 seed in the South region and two-time defending champions Overseas Elite, a team that features Paris Horne and D.J. Kennedy, two St. John’s alumni. Tip-off for that game is July 9th at 12:45.