Dukes Take Down American

I have to say, the team responded well tonight without their star defender Nikki Newman who suffered a fractured foot during the Duquesne game. Defense and rebounding were really good tonight out rebounding American 53-34, 11 of those going to Kirby Burkholder (15 pts) giving her a double-double. Defensively, JMU held American to 49 points, they defended the perimeter well, including getting rebounds inside. Take this for example, JMU was able to hold their two best scorers to just 6 points (Dumiak) and 7 points (Dobbs).It was for the most part a great game to watch.

Offensively the team made their shots, only a few times where I thought certain players should have done something else, other than what they did well. For example, Kirby had Hall wide open for a three point shot, but instead took the ball inside at the end of the half and ended up getting blocked. I personally felt that if she would have tossed the ball to Hall, Hall would had the open 3. Another example was Gwathmey, she was wide open for a short jumper under the basket, instead of taking the wide open shot, she dribbled once takes an extra step inside and gets stuffed. Other than the common mental errors, the team performed well. With that said, Gwathmey had a really strong drive to the basket which resulted in 2 points, plus the free throw try. It was a really nice move, I hope she continues to play strong. Tarik was calm, the team was relaxed. Kirby slowed down enough to make her shots, overall the team played well together. I want to congratulate Precious Hall, who is really becoming a great player, tonight she scored a career high 16 points. It was really neat to watch Kirby Burkholder and Precious Hall trade 3's at the beginning of the second half.

Tonight I have to give mad props to both Kirby Burkholder for her double-double tonight and to Precious Hall for her career high 16 points.

JMU wins 65-49

Note: Mickens did not play due to sickness. Game notes: As soon as they are posted, I will post it here.

I believe a recruit was at the game today. It could have been transfer Lexi Carpenter.