As March rolls in, the excitement for NCAA basketball grows, and this year, the spotlight is shining brightly on the James Madison University (JMU) women’s basketball team. After a stellar season, fans are buzzing with questions: Can JMU make it to the NCAA tournament as an at-large team? Let’s dive into their impressive achievements and what it means for their tournament dreams.
A Dominant Regular Season
The JMU women’s basketball team has had quite a remarkable run this season. They finished their regular season with an eye-popping record of 18-0 in the Sun Belt Conference, and wrapping up the season, they hold an overall record of 28 wins and only 5 losses. This outstanding performance included 12 tough wins on the road, showcasing their resilience and skill. Their success didn’t just come from skill; the coaches smartly scheduled challenging teams to prepare them for the demands of the NCAA tournament. With a non-conference strength of schedule sitting at 26th nationally, it’s clear they aimed high.
The Case for an At-Large Bid
Even though JMU fell short in the Sun Belt championship game against Arkansas State, their prior performance makes a strong case for an at-large NCAA bid. Despite the heartbreak of an overtime loss, they boast 28 Division I wins—the most by any mid-major team this season. Their NET ranking currently sits at 54th, the 11th best among mid-majors, demonstrating their competitive edge. Additionally, they have secured impressive victories against high-profile teams like VCU, Villanova, and Florida. All these accomplishments underline their potential to be included in the NCAA tournament.
Bracketology and the Bubble
As the selection committee prepares to announce the tournament teams, JMU fans might find their excitement tinged with nervous anticipation. Currently, bracketology projections place the Dukes on the bubble—a term used for teams in danger of missing out on the tournament. With their continued success prior to the conference championship, many believe that their strong season should not be overlooked. After all, they hold a remarkable record of 20 wins in their last 21 games!
Recent Highlights
Some of the standout performances this season further highlight why JMU deserves a closer look from the selection committee. Their scoring average during conference play has been dominating, boasting an impressive margin of 15.9 points per game. Players like Peyton McDaniel, who dazzled with a double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds during the semifinal match against Coastal Carolina, have been crucial in propelling the team’s success. JMU’s strategy, which included deliberately challenging their non-conference opponents, has been a major factor in increasing their tournament visibility.
What Lies Ahead
The countdown to selection day is on, and while JMU’s recent loss stung, their case reflects a blend of great achievements and potential. Fans are hoping that the NCAA selection committee takes notice of their hard work, exceptional wins, and determination throughout the season. With their impressive statistics and performances, the Dukes have shown they can hang with the nation’s best—now it’s time to see if they will earn their well-deserved spot in the tournament.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Regular Season Record | 18-0 |
| Overall Record | 28-5 |
| NET Ranking | 54th |
| Division I Wins | 28 |
| Average Scoring Margin | 15.9 points |
So for all the Dukes fans out there—hold your breath and keep those fingers crossed as the tournament news unfolds. JMU women’s basketball has wrapped up a season to remember, and no matter what happens next, they have already made their mark!
