...Like a bulldozer destroying a pile of dirt that is in its way. The JMU Lady Dukes put on a clinic tonight and it was exciting to watch. Not to often do you get to watch a true thumping, especially one that is won by 54 points. I don't know where to start because the defense for the most part was dominant. There were a few times in the first half when Maine was tied or keeping it close that JMU allowed easy shots. That is, they would leave the #5 or #4 player completely open under the basket. But in the second half, JMU wouldn't have any of that. Tonight was about pure dominance, tonight Kanita Shepherd showed how strong she can be under the basket. Tonight Jasmine Gill showed how amazing of a player she has become-she had a great assist and the end of the game to Ross. Gill was going up like she was going to shoot the ball and then at the last possible second dumps it off to Crystal Ross for the easy layup. It was a sweet move. Precious "P" Hall is a player, she continues to impress and is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Can you imagine a trio of scorers this year in Hall, Hislop, and Burkholder? Talk about a threat. Tarik Hislop had a good game tonight scoring 14 points, but lets quickly talk about Destiny Jones who had 12 points. Jones was tough tonight, she shot extremely well and she was strong driving to the basket or shooting the ball for the short jumper. She scored 12 points and hustled defensively. She was truly fun to watch. Tonight, she gets the mad props award, because she deserves it after her performance on the floor.
When the game first started, I was worried because Maine was playing extremely well, they were shooting extremely well, were getting the open looks and then about 15 minutes till halftime, JMU started to take over and by halftime were up 40-24. JMU rebounded extremely well tonight and allowed themselves to have second chances. They defended well, forcing Maine to make ill advised passes that would turn into interceptions or steals, or just turnovers. Maine turned the ball over 29 times, a testament to how good JMU's defense was tonight. Take this for example, JMU held Maine scoreless form about the 10 minute mark in the second half until just under the 4 minute mark-they also held Maine to just 10 points in the second half. Offensively, JMU shot about 61% from the floor and had contribution form just about everyone.
The last couple of games, JMU has really played well. You need these kind of games to build confidence and to develop good team work and I feel that the team has finally started to click. Keep it up ladies and "Get It Back!"
Final 88-34 JMU
Notes: Angela Mickens did not play. Transfer Lexi Carpenter officially became a Duke today and was dressed. She becomes eligible next year during the start of the second semester.
Six players scored double figures tonight. Tarik Hislop 14 pts, Kirby Burkholder 13 pts, Destiny Jones 12 points, Jasmine Gill, Precious Hall, and Toia Giggets all scored 10 points. Kanita Shepherd deserves a lot of credit for her performance in this game as well. She was unbelievably good in this game with many blocked shots, steals, and just outright good defense.
Game notes http://www.jmusports.com/newLiveStats/Basketball/index.dbml?GAME_STAT_ID=709980&db_oem_id=14400
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