CSNbbs

JMU hasn't swept a weekend CAA series all season. Then again, the win over Drexel was the first time this season the Good Guys won the first game of a weekend series. That's right, before last night the Dukes were 0-5 in Thursday/Friday CAA games. But now, JMU has a chance to win a 2nd game in a row. Yes, I'm stretching to find something positive I admit.

UD is coming off an overtime win at Towson. I hope they wore themselves out. The Chicks are sitting in a solid 4th position at 8-6 in the CAA. They are now on a 2-game winning streak as they knocked off UNCW at home by 4 last Saturday. Prior to that, they had lost 3 straight.

In the previous meeting in Newark this season which saw the Good Guys go down by 7 (76-69), Dwight Wilson only saw 9 minutes going 0 for 2 from the field and grabbing 1 rebound. Let's hope he can follow up on his sensational performance from last night and be a difference-maker this time around. In that game, UD's Ryan Allen (29) and Eric Carter (26) combined for 55 of their total 76 points. UD shot 56% from the field, 50% from outside the arc, and 86% from the line. JMU obviously needs to play far better defense this time around to have a chance.

When a team shoots those kinds of high percentages and still only leads by 3 points with 2:31 left in the game, it suggests they can be had this time around at home. Believe it or not, but the Good Guys are only 1 game out of the 6th slot and avoiding the Keener Invitational. Again, I'm stretching to find something positive.

Game will be streamed via MadiZone and Curt Dudley with the call.

Go Dukes!

The UD fans are excited about their Chickens this season...

One more thing...

...the CAA remains a whole bunch of yuck after the top 3 teams.

http://warrennolan.com/basketball/2019/c...l-Athletic

Hofstra (51), Northeastern (98) and Charleston (108) have NET rankings in the top third in the nation. But then, after Charleston it drops significantly with W&M currently having the next best NET ranking at 204. So, 70% of the CAA is at 204 or worse. Yuck!

For a JMU or the like to win the CAAT, it will likely have to at minimum defeat all 3 of those top 3 teams on consecutive nights - and, perhaps a 4th game just to get the chance if in the Keener Invite. Extremely unlikely. For now, let's see the team improve and hopefully at least roll into North Charleston with some semblance of momentum.

(02-15-2019 08:32 AM)Wear Purple Wrote: [ -> ]One more thing...

...the CAA remains a whole bunch of yuck after the top 3 teams.

http://warrennolan.com/basketball/2019/c...l-Athletic

Hofstra (51), Northeastern (98) and Charleston (108) have NET rankings in the top third in the nation. But then, after Charleston it drops significantly with W&M currently having the next best NET ranking at 204. So, 70% of the CAA is at 204 or worse. Yuck!

For a JMU or the like to win the CAAT, it will likely have to at minimum defeat all 3 of those top 3 teams on consecutive nights - and, perhaps a 4th game just to get the chance if in the Keener Invite. Extremely unlikely. For now, let's see the team improve and hopefully at least roll into North Charleston with some semblance of momentum.

Personally, I think the CAAT is up for grabs - looks like anybody can beat anybody on any given night. So proud of our Dukes winning last night. I will be there Saturday night to cheer you on.

Going to my first MBB game in two years tomorrow. Mostly to meet coach Cignetti but I'll hang around and see us roast some chickens.

I’m thinking we’ll need something from Phillips on Saturday to help with Eric Carter inside. Jmu should try mixing in the zone again as well.

(02-15-2019 09:41 AM)NJDuke97 Wrote: [ -> ]I’m thinking we’ll need something from Phillips on Saturday to help with Eric Carter inside. Jmu should try mixing in the zone again as well.

We'll never do it, but I'd consider starting out in a triangle-and-2 with Banks defending Carter and Lewis or Mosley defending Allen. Parker at the top of the triangle with ready help to double Allen when appropriate. Wilson and Lewis or Mosley on the blocks ready to double Carter when appropriate. Don't let 2 guys beat you. And, just throwing this wrinkle at them might buy us some time until they figure out how to attack it. Jones and Jacobs off the bench to pitch in against Carter when needed.

We won't do this.


(edit note: Allen had 30 and Carter had 16 in last night's UD win at Towson...have to still keep close eye on Horton who is their 3 pt threat and possibly the CAA ROTY)

Point guard Kevin Anderson didn't play yesterday due to "personal reasons" and is questionable for tomorrow. He averages 10.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals. 4.2 rebounds is second on Delaware because nobody other than Eric Carter at 10.2 is a great rebounder. He's sixth in the CAA in assists and tied for tenth in steals.

Why is this game starting at 8:00 P.M.? It's the only CAA game all season that starts after 7:00 P.M. It allows me to watch the end after Hofstra finishes.

(02-15-2019 04:37 PM)EvanJ Wrote: [ -> ]Point guard Kevin Anderson didn't play yesterday due to "personal reasons" and is questionable for tomorrow. He averages 10.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals. 4.2 rebounds is second on Delaware because nobody other than Eric Carter at 10.2 is a great rebounder. He's sixth in the CAA in assists and tied for tenth in steals.

Why is this game starting at 8:00 P.M.? It's the only CAA game all season that starts after 7:00 P.M. It allows me to watch the end after Hofstra finishes.

Our arena is in high-demand this weekend due to a program for potential incoming freshmen & 8pm gives them a little more time to convert it back into a basketball facility.

Thank you. When I was a senior in high school, I went to an event that used multiple buildings including the Mack Sports Complex, but I think Basketball season was over by then. I had to walk a long way in the rain to take a test to get a partial scholarship. I don't think they would have scheduled something including that much walking at a time of year with a chance of snow.

Dukes open as 2.5 pt favorites. O/U = 137.0

Other CAA games Saturday...

2pm Drexel +1.0 at Towson

4pm Northeastern +2.5 at Charleston

7pm W&M -4.0 at Elon

7pm Hofstra -9.5 at UNCW

If I was Rowe's boss, I'd have 3 agreed upon goals for the program, none of which would have any basis in some national ranking system. They would involve:
1. Total number of wins in a season
2. Final CAA ranking expectations
3. An average fan attendance goal.
All simple and measurable.

This one is is shaping up nicely for the downtrodden Dukes.
# 279 JMU 9-15 vs #250 Delaware 14-11

1- playing at home. While the advantage may not be as good as other homecourts, it is better than playing on the road at a disadvantage.
2- Delaware had to play double OT Thursday night and then travel to the Burg late in the season. We should see a team that has less stamina tonight.
3- Hens starter Kevin Anderson is out. He scores 10ppg, leads the team in steals, and is 6th in the CAA in assists. Huge loss for them.

JMU is in a stretch now of playing atrocious defenses which has been the perfect medicine for the Dukes’ struggles on offense. Delaware comes in ranked #324 nationally on defense which is in line with recent games against Drexel #328 and UNCW #348

JMU 80
Delaware 72
And now we get free chicken nuggets for all 973 fans after leaving disappointed and hungry Thursday night in the win against Drexel.

The board talked about potential must wins for the Dukes to get out of the Keener round and I think this is the one.
Next week they will be huge underdogs at Hofstra and at Northeastern. Then the last week will be home favorites vs Elon and vs W&M.
A win tonight steers the Dukes towards a 7-11 CAA final record and at least likely in the mix for 6th/7th place cut line.

FWIW Kevin Anderson wasn’t a factor at Delaware. More concerned with Carter inside, Allen on the wing and the freshman from 3. Need a big defensive effort from the Dukes tonight.

(02-16-2019 10:28 AM)JacksonHall Wrote: [ -> ]If I was Rowe's boss, I'd have 3 agreed upon goals for the program, none of which would have any basis in some national ranking system. They would involve:
1. Total number of wins in a season
2. Final CAA ranking expectations
3. An average fan attendance goal.
All simple and measurable.

One and two make sense and likely take care of three. I don’t think it is fair to measure a coach by attendance. Winning and entertaining games usually take care of attendance.

In spite of the admin, I am going to to attend the Delaware game tonight to support Dwight Wilson. 20 & 18 with a win deserves support.

(02-16-2019 11:30 AM)JMUNation Wrote: [ -> ]

(02-16-2019 10:28 AM)JacksonHall Wrote: [ -> ]If I was Rowe's boss, I'd have 3 agreed upon goals for the program, none of which would have any basis in some national ranking system. They would involve:
1. Total number of wins in a season
2. Final CAA ranking expectations
3. An average fan attendance goal.
All simple and measurable.

One and two make sense and likely take care of three. I don’t think it is fair to measure a coach by attendance. Winning and entertaining games usually take care of attendance.

I should have added a 4th: student athlete retention

Im happy about the late start.....get to see the game. Go Dukes

JMU 74
Delaware 70

Thought about making the 3 hour drive to Harrisonburg for this game, but weather was looking iffy. Go Madizone and Go Dukes.

Dont mind these later starts at all. Tuning into Madizone, hoping for the best, low expectations. C'mon Dukes

The Dukes can move to within a half game of escaping the Keener round with a win tonight. Drexel is currently in 6th at 6-9. They finish with 3 home games against Delaware, Hofstra, and Northeastern.

Edit - if W&M beats Elon tonight the Dukes will actually be a full game behind the tribe and Towson . Drexel would slip to 7th in that scenario.