JMU Win Over UNCG Provides a Welcome Distraction

The JMU Dukes won their final home game of 2012 this afternoon, by defeating UNC Greensboro 85-73. JMU used a couple of first half runs to build up a 20 point lead at the break. UNCG used a couple of runs of its own to close the gap to 5 in the second half. Seniors Devon Moore and Rayshawn Goins helped right the ship though and the Dukes hit their free throws down the stretch to secure the win. Statistically speaking, it was one of Moore’s best games as a Duke. He tied his career high with 22 points and also had 9 boards, 7 assists, and 3 steals. Goins had a double-double with 23 and 11. Fellow senior Andrey Semenov chipped in with 14 points and Ron Curry showed everyone that Andre Nation isn’t the only talented freshman on the squad, by contributing a career high 13 points. Unfortunately, the A.J. and Brady situation wasn’t exactly all sunshine with Davis getting the hook for lazy play. The Dukes have won 3 of 4 though and are starting to come together. Hopefully A.J. gets on board and this team keeps improving.

Now obviously, there are much more important things than sports in general or this win in particular. That’s true all the time, but it seems to be especially true right now. I’m not a good enough writer to even attempt to put sports fandom in perspective. I will say however, that even if sports aren’t important in any real sense of the word (they’re not), they can also seem especially serious when you’re looking for a distraction from grave things. And this win was a nice distraction.

The wins and losses are essentially pointless when it comes down to it. What is not pointless however are some of the things that go along with being a sports fan. The shared bonds, the memories, and even the chance to temporarily escape reality for a few hours while watching a game. Sometimes these insignificant games help us cope. When my grandfather passed away, I sat on my parents’ front porch for hours listening to my old man tell stories about baseball. My father and grandfather had a passion for baseball and sharing all the great memories he had of the game was somewhat cathartic for my dad. And I completely understand that. I know one day, my Giants or Mets will win or lose (probably lose if recent history is an indicator) a big game and I won’t be able to immediately call my old man to celebrate or whine about the outcome. And I can’t imagine what that will be like. Win or lose, my dad is always the first person I call. Always. Post game talks with my dad are so intertwined with my existence as a fan that I don’t know how I could detangle them. I’ve got kids of my own now and they’re already starting to embrace sports. And even though I know they’re not old enough to truly understand what’s going on, there’s nothing like seeing them jump up and down and cheer during a game. Yes, the games are not important. The shared experiences are.

So on a day when I broke down crying like a baby reading about the victims of this awful tragedy, it was nice to have Devon Moore, Rayshawn Goins, and the rest of the Dukes take my mind off things for even just a few minutes. Awful events like this have a way of putting things in perspective. This weekend I was reminded once again that it’s probably not worth getting so worked up over sports. I was also reminded that I shouldn’t take the shared experiences with friends and family that go along with them for granted.