Image courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications

By Bennett Conlin

JMU men’s basketball, after a perfect 3-0 week to open its season, appeared at No. 24 in the latest AP Top 25 poll. It’s the first time in program history the team has earned a spot in the poll. 

The Dukes opened the season with an overtime win over preseason No. 4 Michigan State. The Spartans dropped to No. 18 in this week’s ranking.

JMU followed up its win over Michigan State with a double-overtime thriller against Kent State. The Dukes used a miraculous late-game comeback to defeat the Golden Flashes 113-108 for a standout road win.

In their home opener, the Dukes dominated Howard 107-86, showcasing why fans are bullish about the Dukes’ chances for a special season. 

Football and basketball success

The ranking comes one day after JMU football reached a program-best No. 18 in the latest AP Top 25 for its respective sport. The Dukes are a perfect 10-0 on the gridiron, and they’re hosting ESPN’s College GameDay this week. 

JMU football is the second-highest ranked Group of Five team in the AP Poll, checking in one spot behind Tulane. 

Only six schools have their men’s basketball and football teams ranked in the latest AP Polls. Those programs are:

• JMU
• Alabama
• Arizona
• Tennessee
• Texas
• North Carolina

I’m not sure even JMU Athletic Director Jeff Bourne imagined something like that happening at the beginning of the sports season.