Graphic courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications

By Bennett Conlin (This article was originally published in our newsletter)

Another disappointing loss – The Dukes finished the season with a pair of disheartening home losses following a solid road win over Hofstra just over a week ago. JMU ends the regular season with a 13-18 overall record and a 6-12 mark in the CAA. Before the CAA schedule started, I said the Dukes would finish the conference slate with a 6-12 record despite the potential for 10+ wins. I’ll give myself a pat on the back for that one.  

CAA tournament seeding – The Dukes are the No. 8 seed and will face No. 9 Towson on Saturday at 4 p.m. The winner gets Hofstra on Sunday at noon. Below is the bracket for the tournament:

Rowe’s seat – I still think it’s hot. Is it hot enough for Athletic Director Jeff Bourne to make a move, risk having players transfer and struggle again in the search for a new coach? I’m not sure. Rowe may get a “make-it-or-break-it” fourth year with higher expectations than a sub .500 record.

Here’s the bottom line: If Bourne thinks Rowe can build JMU into a consistent winner, he should give him another year. If Bourne doesn’t believe Rowe will ever make JMU a consistent winner, it’s time to move on.

We’ll find out what he decides soon enough. 

CAA tournament expectations – No CAA team has ever won four games in four days to win the conference tournament. I seriously doubt JMU becomes the first team to do it, but the Dukes have the talent to compete with everyone. It could be an unbelievable four days, or it could be another disappointing first-round loss. We’ll talk more about the tournament on Friday.