Battle beneath the hoop
Dukes, Huskies play physical in foul-filled match
By Brian Hansen, sports editor
Posted on February 12, 2007

The undersized Dukes went big Saturday night.

Unfortunately for them, it wasn’t enough to overcome Northeastern University in their 67-64 loss.

The JMU men’s basketball team scored 26 points in the paint and out-rebounded the Huskies 32-30 in the game as they looked to muscle-up with NU.

“From our perspective, we didn’t have the advantage inside,” JMU coach Dean Keener said. “At each position we’re giving away about three or four inches, so we have to work for everything. Give credit to our guys inside, though, for battling.”

The inside presence was established by sophomore forward Juwann James, who scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Also, freshman point guard Pierre Curtis repeatedly slashed into the lane, taking hits from the Huskies’ defense.

“[Curtis] is the one guy on our team who can really get to the basket consistently,” Keener said. “We thought going into the game that if there is one thing Northeastern is susceptible to, it‘s the dribble-drive.”

Curtis finished with a career-high 20 points on 5-for-8 shooting, including 10-of-12 from the free-throw line.

Through the first half, the Dukes pounded the ball inside to James, junior center Gabriel Chami and junior forward Terrance Carter on their way to building their lead to as large as 12 points. As foul trouble began to beset them, however, JMU did not have the depth inside to respond.

“[The fouls] played a big part in the game because they lost some of their big bodies,” Huskies forward Bennet Davis said. “It made it a little easier to grab some rebounds.”

Both James and Chami fouled out, and Carter sat a significant portion of the second half on four fouls.

“I think the foul trouble really hurt us,” Keener said. “Losing James and Chami was tough, and I think it even made Carter a little less aggressive.”

Despite the foul trouble, JMU continued to feed the ball inside, working against the taller front of NU.

James, who last season jumped into the Colonial Athletic Association scene by putting up five double-doubles, has been held to just one this season, Jan. 20 against Georgia State.
 
“A lot of people have been asking about Juwann’s rebounding numbers, but you got to remember last year when he was putting up double-doubles, he was playing alongside a healthy [David] Cooper and Cavell [Johnson],” Keener said. “I think when we add one or two more big bodies in there, he’ll be more effective.”

The Dukes also got a good look at what Curtis will be capable of in the future with his ability to create in the paint. He repeatedly attacked the basket despite crashing to the floor on numerous hard fouls by the Huskies.

“I think Pierre could have beaten a lot of guys tonight,” Keener said. “He was playing with a little more pep in his step, so to speak.”

Added Curtis, “I was just trying to push it. I was trying to be aggressive and I was getting good looks in transition.”