Wednesday, March 20, 2013

JMU vs LIU Brooklyn: First Half


     Even with Senior Forward Rayshawn Goins suspended during the first half (and the LIU Brooklyn 6th man flying around), the Dukes have had minimal problems. They lead the Blackbirds 32 to 31 at the half.

     A.J. Davis got the game started off right with a 3-pointer and then just a few minutes later had a massive alley-oop assisted by fellow Senior Devon Moore.  Freshman Charles Cooke played some very solid defense included a big block on LIU’s Garner and drawing a charge on Olaseware.  Cooke also leads the Dukes in the first half with 10-points.

     The Dukes however ended the half on a 2 to 13 run allowing the Blackbirds back into the game. The good news for JMU, besides Goins return in the 2nd half, is that so far LIU Brooklyn is 0-for-3 for free throws, which is what typically separates teams and wins games. In addition, LIU Brooklyn star Jamal Olaseware already has three personal fouls. Drawing a fourth foul on Olaseware quickly in the second half would force the forward to change his aggressiveness to avoid fouling out early.

     In the second half, the Dukes have to regain control of the tempo and pay aggressive defense to prevent the run-and-gun offense of LIU Brooklyn, get the ball to good shooting locations and continue to draw fouls. The defense is there, but in this case a strong offense and being able to control the ball and clock is the best strategy JMU can have. 

     The winner of this game plays #1 Indiana on Friday at 4:10 PM.

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