JMU turned the ball over just 7 times in this game and scored 93 points on a stellar performance by Kirby Burkholder and Precious "P" Hall to improve the Dukes to a 6-6 record. In the first 5 minutes, Kirby Burkholder scored the teams first 11 points, recorded multiple blocks and steals to put the team ahead 11-2. JMU never trailed in this game. By halftime, JMU built a 22 point lead and would build on that in the 2nd half.
The team has been impressive the last few games, and something clicked, because ever since the Duquesne game, this team has played on a whole new level. Several players scored double digits. Kirby Burkholder had 27 pts, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals. Precious Hall had 12 pts (all 3pt shots), 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Tarik Hislop, 14 pts, and 6 assist. While these players had the points, we cannot forget the others. , especially Jazmon Gwathmey who scored 7 points, but had 10 rebounds in this game. And who can forget Angela "Muff" Mickens? She finally came into the game around the 8 minute mark and played an exceptional game. She was amazing at the point position. Her passes are precise, twice she was able to dump the ball off to players inside for the easy layups-once to Crystal Ross and once to Kanita Shepherd. She also had some great steals and continues to be amazingly fast. She is great to watch. Crystal Ross is getting the moves down, but her shots are not falling in, but they will in due time.
The team is playing with passion and extremely good defense. Hall especially, defensively this team held GA Southern to just 44 points, 20 points in the first half. They not only interrupted passes, they interrupted shots and rebounded the ball very well, out rebounding GA Southern 41-24. They also caused GA Southern to turn the ball over 25 times.
With that said, it is now time to critique a little, not much, but just a little. JMU was up by 30 points and for a few minutes, JMU stopped playing offense and instead started to shoot the ball from the 3 on a consistent bases. Personally I have always believed that no matter what you run the offense, even though you are up 30+ points. The good, Coach Brooks calls a timeout and since that time out, the team started to run the offense like they should. Another critique is that a few times we did not follow our shots, that is going to cost us if we are not willing to follow our own shots, but again, cannot complain too much because the team did get 41rebounds in this game, a huge improvement from earlier games. Last critique, we still allowed some easy inside shots, but also allowed to be screened, allowing 3 point shots. Other than those minor mishaps, we are playing way better than before.
Lastly, I absolutely love that we ended the season with two blowout wins. Against Miane JMU won by 54 points and against GA Southern, JMU wins by 49 points. This should really pay dividends for JMU and for the psyche of the team. Toward the end of the game, JMU was playing 4 freshman on the court and not once did JMU skip a beat. There are no more OOC games, CAA play begins with UNCW on Sunday January 6 at 2 PM. Happy New Year everyone and hope all of you achieve your new year resolutions!
JMU wins 93-44.
Notes: Mad props goes to Jazmon Gwathmey for her 10 rebounds and to Kirby Burkholder for an exceptional game. Crystal Ross you are close, keep pushing, eventually everything is going to start going your way. Giggets, I hope you never take off that mask, for some reason you have that killer instinct with the mask. Also, mad props to everyone under the basket for never giving up and always fighting for the ball. We fans notice and the points scored are huge!
Game notes: http://www.jmusports.com/newLiveStats/Basketball/index.dbml?GAME_STAT_ID=709981&db_oem_id=14400
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