Graphic courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications

By Bennett Conlin (Originally published in our newsletter)

Yikes – After picking up a “huge” win over Hofstra on Saturday, the Dukes returned to their frustratingly inconsistent selves. JMU trailed for the entirety of the second half. After JMU cut an early deficit to a 22-21 score, the Dukes were outscored 16-3 for the rest of the first half. They never threatened the rest of the way. 

What does this mean? – It means we should stop reading into “big” wins like the one over Hofstra. At the time, it was a really impressive win, but big wins aren’t big unless you follow them up with solid play to move your program in the right direction. JMU wasted all momentum from the Hofstra win. 

CAA tournament seeding – The Dukes still have a shot at the No. 6 seed with a win over William & Mary and a Drexel loss. That’d be a nice step for JMU, but we’re not sure it means much in the grand scheme of things. With Elon and Towson both 6-11 in the CAA and playing each other Saturday, one of them will finish tied with the Dukes in the standings even if JMU wins its final game.

Rowe’s seat – It should be hot. The Dukes are 10-23 under Rowe following wins and this team looked horrendous just one game after beating Hofstra in a win considered the best under Rowe. This might be the worst loss during the Rowe era. There are arguments for and against bringing him back next season, but you’re crazy if you think he’s a lock to stay. 

Up next – William & Mary on Saturday. It’s a winnable game, but JMU has lost to every team in the CAA this season. So it’s a game the Dukes could just as easily lose.