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| James Madison University Dukes |
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| LIU-Brooklyn Blackbirds |
VERSES
The Second Day for Opening Round Games begins Wednesday with the LIU-Brooklyn Blackbirds (20-13) taking on the James Madison University Dukes (20-14) tipping off at 5:40CT.
The Dukes won the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament upsetting the top 2 seeds in the semi-finals (2 Delaware) and finals (1 Northeastern). The Blackbirds enter on a four game winning streak, and finished fourth in the conference regular season. They were seeded 3rd in the tournament after Towson was ineligible for postseason play.
The top two scorers for the Blackbirds both average mroe than 12 points per game. Rayshawn Goins averages 12 point seven points per game while A.J. Davis averages 12 point one points. Goins also leads the team with 7 point four rebounds per game.
The Blackbirds enter on a five game winning streak and won the Northeastern Conference Tournament. They upset the second seeded Wagner in the semi-finals. LIU also ended the regular season fourth in conference.
Their leading scorers Jamal Olasewere and C.J. Garner combine for almost 35 points per game. Olasewere averages just under 19 points per game (18.9) and 8 and a half rebounds. Garner averages a little more than 16 points per game (16.1) and about two assists.
Overall this does not seem like a favorable matchup for the Dukes. LIU scores the 10th most points in the country (79.5) nearly 14 points more than James Madison (65.2). However, with the high scoring offense, they give up 12 more points per game (64.4 to 76.4)
The winner of this match takes on the top seed in the East Indiana Hoosiers Friday at 3:10 CT.
In my opinion, the Blackbirds will run away with this game 80-55 and get their first ever NCAA Tournament win.
Tournament Appearances and Records
James Madison 5th appearance (3-4)
LIU-Brooklyn 6th appearance (0-5)
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