Dukes Fail to Break Out of Slump Against Northeastern

The Dukes lost to Northeastern today 68-56. Four games into the JMU’s CAA slate and I’m already at a loss for words. That’s not true exactly. I have plenty of words I could say about the situation with JMU basketball, it’s just that they all would be profane and none of them would be enlightening. We all are aware of the situation. JMU has been playing some terrible basketball and appears to be on the verge of spiraling further downward. It’s right there for all the world to see.

After worrying about JMU’s defense for years, it’s the offense that has been killing them lately. JMU came out of the gate this season shooting well, especially from 3 point range. It was the clear strength of the team. They’ve cooled off considerably after a hot start. And cooled off doesn’t really do it justice. It’s like they’ve got some sort of long distance shooting equivalent of Macky Sasser Disease. Continuing the analogy AJ Davis has gone the way of Rick Ankiel. After being up amongst the national leaders in 3 point percentage, including a crazy 8 for 9 game, he’s missed 15 out of his last 16 attempts. The team as a whole has missed 30 out of their last 33.

Today the Dukes couldn’t shoot from long range, but they were attacking the basket. It was a welcome change from their typical strategy of bombing away regardless of the situation. Unfortunately, it still didn’t matter. The first half was ugly, but I was encouraged by JMU’s effort and style of play. I actually had myself convinced that Brady had gotten through to AJ, who played better D and had some big dunks. Then the entire team just fell asleep for a 5 or 6 minute stretch in the second half. During that stretch JMU couldn’t buy a bucket and couldn’t stop the Huskies at all. Northeastern capitalized with a 11-0 run and that was pretty much all she wrote. For once the Dukes picked up the intensity and tried to press to get back in the game. As soon as they got within striking distance though, they relaxed, gave up some easy buckets, and let Northeastern close it out.

The lone bright spot today was the play of Enoch Hood. The 6’8″ freshman had his first career double-double with 10 points and 11 boards. Hood is still very raw, but he’s got a bright future. With Rayshawn Goins out and Gene Swindle as JMU’s only other post player, Hood could earn a lot of playing time this year. As discouraged as I am with how the season is going, I am just as optimistic about Hood. He needs to improve his free throw shooting, but I think he could develop into a serious presence in the paint.