Dukes Close Non-Conference Slate at Fordham

Friday, December 20

Bronx, N.Y.

7 p.m.

James Madison University

Fordham

12/19/2019 4:01:00 PM | Men's Basketball

@JMUMBasketball JMU MBB on Instagram Complete 2019-20 Schedule Game Notes

James Madison Dukes (6-4) at Fordham Rams (5-5)

December 20, 2019 -- 7:00 PM

Bronx, N.Y. -- Rose Hill Gym

Game Links

Live Stats · Video Broadcast: ESPN+ · Audio Broadcast

JMU Game Notes

JMUSports.com · @JMUMBasketball · #GoDukes

FordhamSports.com · @FordhamMBB

QUICK HITS

James Madison heads north to New York City on Friday evening as the Dukes get set to close out their 2019-20 non-conference schedule with a 7 p.m. match up in the Bronx against Fordham.
Earlier this week, the Dukes returned from a 12-day hiatus due to exam week in fine style, as five JMU players scored in double figures to lead the way during an 81-60 romp over Charleston Southern on Monday, Dec. 16. Junior guard Darius Banks led the way with 17 points, thanks to a late flurry of three-pointers, while junior forward Dwight Wilson added his third straight double-double.
The Dukes took a step forward in 2018-19, going 14-19 on the year, including a 6-12 mark in Colonial Athletic Association play while losing just two seniors to graduation.
Despite the graduation of departed guard Stuckey Mosley, the Dukes reuturn three other players who averaged double-digit scoring last season in Lewis (16.4ppg) and Darius Banks (12.3) and junior forward Dwight Wilson (10.2), who also pulled down 7.8 rebounds per contest in a breakout sophomore season.
Prior to the season, both Lewis and Banks were named to Preseason All-CAA teams, with Lewis earning a spot on the All-CAA First Team and Banks being tabbed to the Second Team heading into 2019-20.
The Dukes were tabbed to finish fourth in the preseason poll of the league's coaches and media members, earning three first-place votes along the way in one of the closest preseason polls in league history.
Heading into the season, JMU welcomed a six-member freshman class, including forward Michael Christmas, Dalton Jefferson and Julien Wooden, as well as guards Zyon Dobbs, Jayvis Harvey and Quinn Richey.

SCOUTING THE RAMS

After starting the year with three straight wins, Fordham has dropped its last three contests, all at home, concluding with a 66-61 loss to Tennessee State this past Sunday at Rose Hill Gym that dropped the Rams to 5-5 on the year.
Chuba Ohams and Antwon Portley lead the way for the Fordham offense thus far this year, as both have racked up 11.7 points per contest in 2019-20. Ohams has also averaged 8.6 boards on the season to pace the Rams.

SERIES HISTORY

Friday's matchup will mark just the fourth time in program history that the Dukes have faced Fordham, with the two schools playing a home-and-home series during the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons prior to last year's contest.
This will mark the third time that the teams have met in the Bronx, with the schools splitting the first two matchups and James Madison picking up an 85-73 victory at the Convocation Center on Dec. 23, 2009.
In last year's matchup, the Dukes shot just 30.8% (16-of-52) from the field and Fordham put together a 13-0 first-half run to take control and never look back as the Rams handed JMU a 75-48 loss in the Dukes' 2018-19 non-conference finale.