JMU Weekend Wrap: Dukes Pull a Double Over Towson
After a miserable outing against Valparaiso in which the Dukes shot just 23.6% from the field, JMU bounced back to win its CAA opener against Towson on Saturday. The 61-52 victory moved JMU to 8-6 overall and 1-0 in the CAA and snapped a three game skid. Towson dropped to 7-7 and 0-1 in the league. It was the Tigers sixth straight loss after a getting out to a 7-1 start.
The JMU team that played Valpo couldn’t shoot straight. It was honestly one of, if not the absolute worst shooting performances I’ve ever seen. By the end the entire team just looked dejected. Based on the way they bounced back against Towson, it appears that they’re determined to learn from the loss. Thankfully, on Saturday the team shot lights out and seemed to play to its strengths and work for good looks. For the game the team shot 59%, which was the highest mark in four years for a JMU. Jackson Kent lead the way with 15 points on 5 for 7 shooting. Yohanny Dalembert was a perfect 4 for 4 from the field and 6 for 6 from the line for 14 points. Andre Nation chipped in 10 points and did so by sticking to his guns and not launching a single three point attempt. Ron Curry only scored 6 points, but he had a game high 6 assists. To say that it was a better effort and heck of a turnaround would be an understatement.
This is not a Dukes team that is going to light up the scoreboard. On a good night, Jackson Kent will hit 3 or 4 threes, but the roster isn’t full of sharpshooters. Dalembert can score down low and a few of the other bigs can chip in with garbage buckets. Curry and Nation are at they’re best when they’re going to the hole and hitting free throws. Nation is the most talented player, but he’s not a pure scorer. At his best, he can carry a team through his all around effort, penetrating to open space for teammates, playing shutdown defense, and creating turnovers. If he plays at a high level of intensity and his teammates match his effort, this team should win some games. Of course if he plays a a low level of intensity and his teammates match his effort, it’s going to be trouble. The team still lacks a leader on the court, but the win over Towson was a step in the right direction.
The Ladies Complete the Double
Kenny Brooks and the women also got CAA play started this weekend with a home game against Towson. It was much closer than anticipated, but the Dukes came from behind to escape with a 67-66 win. JMU moved to 10-2 overall and 1-0 in the CAA. The loss left Towson at 4-9 and 0-1 in CAA play. JMU was heavily favored but had to claw back from as many as 13 points. Lauren Okafor led the way with 14 points. Precious Hall had an uncharacteristically poor night shooting, making only 3 of 14 from the field. She managed to score 13 points largely due to her ability to knock down 6 of 8 from the charity stripe, including 2 huge ones that put JMU ahead for good in the final minute. We’re sure Coach Brooks won’t be pleased the game was so close, but the important thing is that they got the W. We realize some people turn their noses up at women’s hoops, but they’re just hurting themselves. Pay attention to this program. It’s one every JMU alum should be proud of.
And Other Stuff
Former JMU head football coach Alex Wood has been hired for the same role at Florida A&M.
Columnist says that Matt Brady’s team is desperate for a leader on the floor (we agree).
Here’s a great look into the recruiting of Urban Meyer and Nick Saban, including the role that Everett Withers played while at OSU. Withers himself followed up to remind us that “Recruiting is the life-blood of every football program!”
Jim Rome did Jim Rome things over the weekend and took shots at college marching bands. All sorts of people pushed back and the Marching Royal Dukes ended up getting some solid pub for the recent trip to Rome in coverage of the backlash from both CNN and the Washington Post. Give Rome some credit though, he at least took responsibility for his actions and apologized, which is way more than the Cowherds or Baylesses of the world do.
Picture courtesy of JMUsports.com’s awesome photo gallery.
