Graphic courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications

By Bennett Conlin (Content taken from our newsletter)

Road test – After a thrilling overtime win over Towson, JMU faces a stiff Friday test at Northeastern (14-6, 4-5 CAA) before an easier matchup Sunday at Hofstra (7-14, 1-8 CAA). 

Opposite strengths – JMU leads the CAA in rebounding. Northeastern allows the fewest rebounds of any CAA team. JMU leads the CAA in field-goal percentage defense. Northeastern leads the CAA in field-goal percentage. JMU is second in the CAA in three-point field-goal percentage and scoring defense. Northeastern leads the CAA in three-point field-goal shooting percentage and scoring offense. 

You get the picture, it’s a solid offensive team in Northeastern vs. a solid defensive team in JMU. 

On paper, this matchup is awesome – On the court, it’s not as great. Well, at least the last time out it wasn’t. JMU beat Northeastern 84-49 at the Convocation Center on Jan. 13. Don’t expect a 35-point win this time around. Northeastern is 9-1 at home this season, and the Dukes are just 6-4 on the road. 

After Northeastern – JMU plays Hofstra on Sunday. That game could get out of hand, as the Dukes are significantly better than the Pride.