Ugly Loss for the Dukes

Continuing with this season’s theme of inconsistency, the Dukes followed up a strong effort against Mason, with an absolute stinker against Hofstra. JMU lost to Hofstra by the score of 68-48. That’s right, Hofstra. A school that distinguishes itself by having the only student body in the country that laughs with, instead of at, the cast of Jersey Shore.

I don’t know what to say about this loss. I really don’t know what to say about this JMU team at this point. It’s pretty clear that the lack of depth isn’t the only thing hurting the Dukes. The inability to put forth a solid 40 minute effort any night, let alone every night, is absolutely crushing this squad. JMU fell asleep for a few minutes after the break, let Hofstra run off 11 straight points, and never recovered. JMU turned it over 17 times and shot a whopping 34% from the field, due to going a pitiful 7 for 24 in the second half.

Reigning CAA co-player of the week, Denzel Bowles had 15 points in the loss, but was limited to just 2 boards. Julius Wells equaled Bowles’ offensive production, with 15 points of his own. There is now doubt that both players have a lot of talent. There is also no doubt that the duo has a lot on their shoulders due to the state of the Dukes’ depleted roster. Wells’ struggles with turnovers and his poor shot selection are becoming a concern though. He had another 5 turnovers to add to his CAA worst total and finished the night just 1 of 6 from beyond the arc and 4 of 15 overall. He’s too talented to continue to let games get away from him like this.

In the post game presser, Coach Brady revealed that he kicked the team out of practice this week due to a lack of effort. The lack of effort in practice is carrying over to games and it’s quickly killing the season.