So the slide continues.
Once 6-0, James Madison fell to 6-4 after a 69-61 loss to Pittsburgh at Staten Island, N.Y. Madison senior forward Tamera Young had her best game of the year with 32 points on 12-20 shooting, but JMU was 0-12 on 3-pointers and freshman point guard Dawn Evans continued her slump with only eight points on 2-16 shooting.
Nine of her misses were from behind the arc.
Madison took a 35-33 lead into halftime in the Wagner Holiday Classic, but the Panthers fought back and took the lead for good with seven minutes, nine seconds left in the game. There were 13 ties and 10 lead changes in the rematch of JMU's 2007 NCAA tournament game at Pittsburgh.
JMU plays against Wagner on Monday in the final game of the Holiday Classic, which is hosted by Wagner. The Seahawks (2-7) play Pittsburgh tomorrow and are looking to break a seven-game losing streak.
It looks as if relief is finally in the forecast for JMU.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Trying to Recover
While losing in overtime at Seton Hall must have been tough for the James Madison men's basketball team, for the women their recent fortunes have been even tougher.
Madison began the season 6-0 with four freshman starting, and their surprising start included a win over then-No. 14 George Washington. It was JMU's first win over a ranked opponent since the 1991 NCAA tournament, and extended the Dukes' NCAA-leading home win streak to 29.
Since that game JMU is 1-3, and has lost three straight. Two of those losses were on the road.
The Dukes play their next game at Pittsburgh (8-3), the team that knocked JMU out of the NCAA tournament last year in Pittsburgh. With such a young, inexperienced squad, how would you assess their chances of breaking out of a slump?
Madison began the season 6-0 with four freshman starting, and their surprising start included a win over then-No. 14 George Washington. It was JMU's first win over a ranked opponent since the 1991 NCAA tournament, and extended the Dukes' NCAA-leading home win streak to 29.
Since that game JMU is 1-3, and has lost three straight. Two of those losses were on the road.
The Dukes play their next game at Pittsburgh (8-3), the team that knocked JMU out of the NCAA tournament last year in Pittsburgh. With such a young, inexperienced squad, how would you assess their chances of breaking out of a slump?
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Looking for Recognition
While the James Madison basketball squads enjoy their time off for the holidays, you should be asking yourself where they stand as the new year approaches.
The men's team (7-2) gears up for a game Saturday against South Carolina State at Jim 'N Nick's Cougar Classic in Charleston, S.C. South Carolina State (4-8) shouldn't present too much of a challenge, and if Madison wins it will advance to play the winner of CofC vs. Mercer the next day. There is also a consolation game between losers Sunday.
I would be surprised if the Dukes aren't 9-2 heading into their second conference game against Virginia Commonwealth (8-3). The Rams are tied for second place in the Colonial Athletic Association behind JMU, and are ranked 11th in the CollegeInsider.com mid-major top 25 poll.
Meanwhile, Madison has yet to crack the same poll. The Dukes received 37 points are are fifth among teams not in the top 25, as far as votes in the Dec. 24 poll. The voting panel consists of 31 mid-major coaches and can be accessed here.
I'll get to the women's team tomorrow but right now ask yourself if you think the men are being overlooked by the college basketball media.
The men's team (7-2) gears up for a game Saturday against South Carolina State at Jim 'N Nick's Cougar Classic in Charleston, S.C. South Carolina State (4-8) shouldn't present too much of a challenge, and if Madison wins it will advance to play the winner of CofC vs. Mercer the next day. There is also a consolation game between losers Sunday.
I would be surprised if the Dukes aren't 9-2 heading into their second conference game against Virginia Commonwealth (8-3). The Rams are tied for second place in the Colonial Athletic Association behind JMU, and are ranked 11th in the CollegeInsider.com mid-major top 25 poll.
Meanwhile, Madison has yet to crack the same poll. The Dukes received 37 points are are fifth among teams not in the top 25, as far as votes in the Dec. 24 poll. The voting panel consists of 31 mid-major coaches and can be accessed here.
I'll get to the women's team tomorrow but right now ask yourself if you think the men are being overlooked by the college basketball media.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Win Slips Away at Seton Hall
James Madison missed its chance to surpass last year's win total, and fell 112-110 in overtime to Big East opponent Seton Hall on Saturday.
Turnovers plagued Madison (7-2) at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. — Seton Hall forced 33 — but the Dukes' entire starting lineup reached double figures and had JMU leading for most of the game.
Point guard Pierre Curtis led the Dukes with 26 points as he shot 9-of-9 on free throws. Madison led Seton Hall (8-2) in field goal percentage, free throw percentage, rebounds, and assists, but a late 13-4 run by the Pirates sent the game into overtime. The game's leading scorer Eugene Harvey hit the go-ahead shot for Seton Hall and finished with 27 points.
Seton Hall beat Virginia 74-60 on Nov. 24, and the Pirates represent the only "major" conference opponent on JMU's schedule this season. Even though the Dukes let opportunity slip away, contending on the road with a team like Seton Hall has to instill confidence heading into nine conference games in January.
Turnovers plagued Madison (7-2) at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. — Seton Hall forced 33 — but the Dukes' entire starting lineup reached double figures and had JMU leading for most of the game.
Point guard Pierre Curtis led the Dukes with 26 points as he shot 9-of-9 on free throws. Madison led Seton Hall (8-2) in field goal percentage, free throw percentage, rebounds, and assists, but a late 13-4 run by the Pirates sent the game into overtime. The game's leading scorer Eugene Harvey hit the go-ahead shot for Seton Hall and finished with 27 points.
Seton Hall beat Virginia 74-60 on Nov. 24, and the Pirates represent the only "major" conference opponent on JMU's schedule this season. Even though the Dukes let opportunity slip away, contending on the road with a team like Seton Hall has to instill confidence heading into nine conference games in January.
Friday, December 21, 2007
The Streak Ends at 30
Senior forward Tamera Young notched her highest point total since James Madison's season opener against Harvard, but her 28-point performance wasn't enough to extend JMU's 30-game home winning streak against No. 5 Maryland as the Terrapins won 71-65 Thursday.
The Terrapins improved their record to 14-1, while JMU fell to 6-3. After starting the season 6-0, the Dukes have lost three straight games.
The game was tied at halftime, but Madison scored the first seven points of the second period and led by as many as 10. With four freshman starting this season for the Dukes, their recent slide isn't too surprising. But the play of one freshman in particular surprises me.
Point guard Dawn Evans was named Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Week three of the first four weeks this season, and the only week she didn't receive the award JMU didn't play a game. During that stretch, Evans shot 46% on field goals and JMU was 6-0.
Since a Nov. 30 game against Savannah State, Evans is shooting 26% from the field. For Madison to be successful, she has to break out of that slump.
Maryland beat JMU thanks to 49% field goal shooting and 40 rebounds, but if Evans was on her game its likely the outcome would have been different.
The Terrapins improved their record to 14-1, while JMU fell to 6-3. After starting the season 6-0, the Dukes have lost three straight games.
The game was tied at halftime, but Madison scored the first seven points of the second period and led by as many as 10. With four freshman starting this season for the Dukes, their recent slide isn't too surprising. But the play of one freshman in particular surprises me.
Point guard Dawn Evans was named Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Week three of the first four weeks this season, and the only week she didn't receive the award JMU didn't play a game. During that stretch, Evans shot 46% on field goals and JMU was 6-0.
Since a Nov. 30 game against Savannah State, Evans is shooting 26% from the field. For Madison to be successful, she has to break out of that slump.
Maryland beat JMU thanks to 49% field goal shooting and 40 rebounds, but if Evans was on her game its likely the outcome would have been different.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Another Comeback Win
Earlier this year James Madison beat the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers 85-73 at the JMU Convocation Center. The final score was 85-73, and the Dukes held only a two-point lead at halftime (40-38).
After an 0-4 start, Mount St. Mary's has won six straight and sits in first place in the Northeast Conference at 6-4 (2-0 in the NEC).
The Radford Highlanders came into Harrisonburg with a 4-7 record, 1-6 on the road. So after JMU beat them by a deceiving 85-74 final score, the question is how were the Highlanders winning 37-32 at halftime?
A 12-day break for exams can take some of the credit, but JMU has a habit of playing down to competition it seems so far this year. But with a 7-1 record (1-0 in the Colonial Athletic Association), JMU has matched its highest win total in Keener's reign. Will the comebacks keep coming?
After an 0-4 start, Mount St. Mary's has won six straight and sits in first place in the Northeast Conference at 6-4 (2-0 in the NEC).
The Radford Highlanders came into Harrisonburg with a 4-7 record, 1-6 on the road. So after JMU beat them by a deceiving 85-74 final score, the question is how were the Highlanders winning 37-32 at halftime?
A 12-day break for exams can take some of the credit, but JMU has a habit of playing down to competition it seems so far this year. But with a 7-1 record (1-0 in the Colonial Athletic Association), JMU has matched its highest win total in Keener's reign. Will the comebacks keep coming?
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Mountaineers Make History, Fans React
Appalachian State became the first team in FCS football history to win three consecutive national championships with a 49-21 win over Delaware last night.
Quarterback Armanti Edwards threw three touchdowns on 9-of-15 passing, compiling 198 yards. Edwards also rushed for 89 yards, before senior backup QB Tyler Elder came in and rushed 53 yards for a touchdown with 3 minutes, 29 seconds left.
Elder drew a flag for celebration after scoring the Mountaineers' last touchdown, and the fans were standing on the sideline shortly thereafter. They remained there for the last few minutes, getting autographs from Appalachian players and encroaching on the field of play.
The question is: Should fans be allowed access to the sidelines with more than a couple minutes left in the game?
Quarterback Armanti Edwards threw three touchdowns on 9-of-15 passing, compiling 198 yards. Edwards also rushed for 89 yards, before senior backup QB Tyler Elder came in and rushed 53 yards for a touchdown with 3 minutes, 29 seconds left.
Elder drew a flag for celebration after scoring the Mountaineers' last touchdown, and the fans were standing on the sideline shortly thereafter. They remained there for the last few minutes, getting autographs from Appalachian players and encroaching on the field of play.
The question is: Should fans be allowed access to the sidelines with more than a couple minutes left in the game?
Friday, December 14, 2007
Make it Three for App. State
At the end of three quarters, Appalachian State leads Delaware 35-14 in the Football Champion Subdivision title game.
James Madison was the only team that held the Mountaineers under 30 points this season, and I can only imagine what it must feel like for JMU players to watch Appalachian march towards its third straight NCAA championship.
Appalachian quarterback Armanti Edwards has three passing touchdowns through as many quarters, but surprisingly hasn't rushed for a TD. He appears headed towards another 100-yard rushing performance though, as he has 82 yards on 16 carries with a quarter left.
While Madison fans can only wonder what could have been, Armanti Edwards is attracting Heisman attention for next season. That's right, Edwards will be a junior in 2008, and this Sports Illustrated article by Stewart Mandel points out that three I-AA players have finished in the top 10 of Heisman voting since the I-A/I-AA distinction was established in 1978. Among them: Jerry Rice.
Just something else to think about, other than what Madison could have accomplished if not for a failed fourth-down attempt at its own 32-yard line and a fumble inside the Appalachian 10-yard line with 25 seconds left.
James Madison was the only team that held the Mountaineers under 30 points this season, and I can only imagine what it must feel like for JMU players to watch Appalachian march towards its third straight NCAA championship.
Appalachian quarterback Armanti Edwards has three passing touchdowns through as many quarters, but surprisingly hasn't rushed for a TD. He appears headed towards another 100-yard rushing performance though, as he has 82 yards on 16 carries with a quarter left.
While Madison fans can only wonder what could have been, Armanti Edwards is attracting Heisman attention for next season. That's right, Edwards will be a junior in 2008, and this Sports Illustrated article by Stewart Mandel points out that three I-AA players have finished in the top 10 of Heisman voting since the I-A/I-AA distinction was established in 1978. Among them: Jerry Rice.
Just something else to think about, other than what Madison could have accomplished if not for a failed fourth-down attempt at its own 32-yard line and a fumble inside the Appalachian 10-yard line with 25 seconds left.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
BCS Champion vs. Dolphins
It's exam week, and JMU athletes are busy...so today I'm going to talk about my idea for a college football playoff system.
Because the bowl system won't be revised anytime soon, I suggest having the winner of LSU-Ohio State play the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, January 13. That gives the BCS champion almost a week to prepare, and the Dolphins will have sat for two weeks.
The Dolphins play against Baltimore this week, at New England after that, and against Cincinnati on Dec. 30. It's possible they could get a win in there, but its hard to choose between Baltimore or Cincinnati. Whatever happens, Armando Salguero at the "DOLPHINS IN DEPTH" blog says that coach Cam Cameron has alienated veteran players, and that's been a large part of his failure as a coach.
Back to the point — most people would give Miami an edge over any college team, but I'd like to know by how much. Let me know what you think.
Because the bowl system won't be revised anytime soon, I suggest having the winner of LSU-Ohio State play the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, January 13. That gives the BCS champion almost a week to prepare, and the Dolphins will have sat for two weeks.
The Dolphins play against Baltimore this week, at New England after that, and against Cincinnati on Dec. 30. It's possible they could get a win in there, but its hard to choose between Baltimore or Cincinnati. Whatever happens, Armando Salguero at the "DOLPHINS IN DEPTH" blog says that coach Cam Cameron has alienated veteran players, and that's been a large part of his failure as a coach.
Back to the point — most people would give Miami an edge over any college team, but I'd like to know by how much. Let me know what you think.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Sub-30
JMU shot a season-low 29.1 percent at Clemson and the Madison women's basketball team lost its second straight game, falling to 6-2.
Clemson (6-5) lost at JMU last year, 85-72, and shouldn't have presented much of a problem for a JMU squad that recently defeated a ranked opponent for the first time since 1991 in George Washington.
I would say the Dukes just need more experience in road games to avoid these losses. With four freshman starting, that's an easy explanation — but could it be anything else?
Clemson (6-5) lost at JMU last year, 85-72, and shouldn't have presented much of a problem for a JMU squad that recently defeated a ranked opponent for the first time since 1991 in George Washington.
I would say the Dukes just need more experience in road games to avoid these losses. With four freshman starting, that's an easy explanation — but could it be anything else?
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Dukes Spear Lancers
James Madison notched its fourth straight win, beating Longwood 84-52 on 57% shooting Wednesday night.
The Dukes (6-1, 1-0 Colonial Athletic Association) were led by guard Abdulai Jalloh with 23 points, and Madison led 46-26 at halftime. The dominating performance was expected against the Lancers (2-8), but JMU fans take nothing for granted — the team is one win short of its 2006-07 win total, as mediocrity has been the norm in recent years.
Jalloh has been heralded as the player who will bring the Dukes success, and the blueprint is working so far. Dazzmond Thornton is another transfer who has made an immediate impact. The 6-foot-7 forward is averaging 7 points and 3.2 rebounds a game, in only 13.7 minutes a game.
JMU's next contest is Dec. 17 when Radford (3-6) comes to Harrisonburg, but the game after that will be a true barometer. The Dukes play at Seton Hall (7-1) on Dec. 22. The Pirates boast a November win over Virginia, and will be heavy favorites at home.
The Dukes (6-1, 1-0 Colonial Athletic Association) were led by guard Abdulai Jalloh with 23 points, and Madison led 46-26 at halftime. The dominating performance was expected against the Lancers (2-8), but JMU fans take nothing for granted — the team is one win short of its 2006-07 win total, as mediocrity has been the norm in recent years.
Jalloh has been heralded as the player who will bring the Dukes success, and the blueprint is working so far. Dazzmond Thornton is another transfer who has made an immediate impact. The 6-foot-7 forward is averaging 7 points and 3.2 rebounds a game, in only 13.7 minutes a game.
JMU's next contest is Dec. 17 when Radford (3-6) comes to Harrisonburg, but the game after that will be a true barometer. The Dukes play at Seton Hall (7-1) on Dec. 22. The Pirates boast a November win over Virginia, and will be heavy favorites at home.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
First Loss for Women's Basketball
James Madison women's basketball fell to 6-1 after losing at Liberty on Tuesday night, 79-66. The closest JMU got in the second half was 59-54 with nine minutes, 51 seconds remaining.
A telling statistic: JMU made only four of 22 three pointers, and freshman point guard Dawn Evans made just one of 12 attempts from behind the arc. The Dukes made 36.1% of their field goal attempts, while Liberty made 52.8%. For more on the game, read this article from the Daily News-Record.
Dawn Evans was just named Colonial Athletic Assocation Rookie of the Week for the third time in four weeks, but it's safe to say somebody else will get the award after this week.
A telling statistic: JMU made only four of 22 three pointers, and freshman point guard Dawn Evans made just one of 12 attempts from behind the arc. The Dukes made 36.1% of their field goal attempts, while Liberty made 52.8%. For more on the game, read this article from the Daily News-Record.
Dawn Evans was just named Colonial Athletic Assocation Rookie of the Week for the third time in four weeks, but it's safe to say somebody else will get the award after this week.
Monday, December 3, 2007
BCS Situation: LSU vs. Ohio State
SEC champions vs. Big 10 champions.
I've been saying for years that the Big 10 is overrated, and teams from that conference load their schedules with easy games that lead to inflated records. At 11-1, the Buckeyes have a sterling record, but I think there are more deserving teams for the championship.
Here's an opposing opinion, from David McKinney's Ohio State blog. Big surprise he favors the Buckeyes in the title game.
I don't know many people that support the BCS system, but let's go straight to the matchup. Who honestly thinks Ohio State stands a chance, especially right in LSU's backyard (New Orleans)?
I've been saying for years that the Big 10 is overrated, and teams from that conference load their schedules with easy games that lead to inflated records. At 11-1, the Buckeyes have a sterling record, but I think there are more deserving teams for the championship.
Here's an opposing opinion, from David McKinney's Ohio State blog. Big surprise he favors the Buckeyes in the title game.
I don't know many people that support the BCS system, but let's go straight to the matchup. Who honestly thinks Ohio State stands a chance, especially right in LSU's backyard (New Orleans)?
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Basketball Looking Good
James Madison has two strong basketball teams this year, instead of just one. Maybe it's too early to call the men's team "strong," but after a Colonial Athletic Association win on the road, speculation is sure to begin.
The men (5-1 overall, 1-0 in the conference) don't play any more CAA games until January, and the women (6-0 overall, 0-0 in the conference) play their first conference games in the same month. The win over George Washington validated their success so far, though.
When the NCAA makes its selections for the Big Dance, early season success often has less influence than quality of play down the stretch. Should it be that way?
The men (5-1 overall, 1-0 in the conference) don't play any more CAA games until January, and the women (6-0 overall, 0-0 in the conference) play their first conference games in the same month. The win over George Washington validated their success so far, though.
When the NCAA makes its selections for the Big Dance, early season success often has less influence than quality of play down the stretch. Should it be that way?
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