Quick Thoughts on JMU Over Ball State

The Dukes won for the third time in their last four games last night, defeating Ball State 73-68 in the Convo. The win gets JMU to 5-9 on the season. Ball State dropped to 2-8. Brady and the moves now will open CAA play with a game at UNCW this Saturday. The game at UNCW will also be the last game of Andre Nation’s suspension.

Charles Cooke had another monster game for JMU. He led the Dukes with 20 points to go along with 3 boards, 4 assists, a block, and 6 steals. Ron Curry also had an outstanding all around game, dropping 17 to go along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists. And the senior statesman of the bunch, Mr. Andrey Semenov, chipped in 16 points. Here are three quick thoughts on the win.

Offense, Powered by Defense

Obviously, getting a combined 53 points from Cooke, Curry, and Semenov was critical. This win came as a result of the Dukes’ defense however. Playing a zone for much of the night, JMU pressured Ball State to force 19 turnovers. In the first half, JMU limited its opponent to only 34.8% shooting from the field. They did it by extending the zone and pressuring the ball handlers before they could really initiate the offense. It made for some very ugly and scrappy stretches for Ball State. And for easy transition buckets for the Dukes.

Like Having Five Semenovs

So we mentioned the defense. Well, it didn’t come easy. In fact, it came as a result of all five Dukes on the court mixing it up, using their bodies, getting up in opponents’ faces, and diving for loose balls. JMU was getting after it. It was essentially the sort of effort we’ve seen from Andrey Semenov throughout his career. The type of effort and intensity that makes you beam with pride when it’s coming from your team. Not coincidentally, it’s also the sort effort that makes you stomp your feet and cry foul when it’s coming from your opponent. We’ve always loved Semenov’s game and his competitiveness. And it’s nice to see that the entire roster seems to share his willingness to get their hands dirty when games get tight.

One More Game

Saturday’s game at UNCW will be the final game of Andre Nation’s suspension. Things haven’t been easy without him. We know this. Attempting to replace Rayshawn Goins, Devon Moore, A.J. Davis, and the rest of last year’s graduates was never going to be easy. Doing it while playing without Nation made it even more challenging. But if we’re trying to find the silver lining, his absence has given other players a chance to step up. And many of them have, in particular Charles Cooke and Ron Curry, who have shown All CAA type potential at times.

Having won 3 of its last 4, JMU is carrying a little bit of momentum into the CAA opener. With only 5 wins on the season, the Dukes definitely aren’t where they’d like to be. They’ve improved throughout the season and the effort is there though. If Coach Brady and the Dukes can smoothly integrate Nation into the mix, this team could be dangerous. As the youngest team in the CAA (and second youngest in the nation), JMU will still face an uphill battle in league play. Play defense like they did last night and shoot the ball a little better, they’ll have a chance to beat any CAA team though. Buckle up. Things are about to get interesting.