Dukes search for swagger on the road against Patriots
By Matthew McGovern, assistant sports editor

The JMU women’s basketball team is anxious to rebound from its 82-57 pounding at Old Dominion, a loss fueled by a 26-0 second half run by the Monarchs. On the ride home from Norfolk, JMU coach Kenny Brooks received text messages from members of his team apologizing for their most disappointing performance of the season. But he’s convinced that his squad is ready to rebound at George Mason today. More...

Madison aims to maintain perfect record at the Convo
By Tim Chapman, sports editor

Only two starters remain from George Mason’s men’s basketball 2006 Final Four run, but the Patriots are still one of the most revered teams in the Colonial Athletic Association. Tenth-year coach Jim Larranaga has kept Mason on the cusp of national prominence with a competitive roster and an even more competitive schedule. More...

Athletic director, coach shed light on Bridgeforth Expansion
By Tim Chapman, sports editor

Whenever expansion is proposed and budgets are calculated, whether on a national, state or local level, speculation over the “real” motive follows. In the latest case at JMU, the discussion surrounds Friday’s announcement of a $52 million plan to renovate Bridgeforth Stadium by the start of the 2011 season. More...

JMU crushed by ODU
By Tim Chapman, sports editor

And just like that JMU basketball’s turnaround season could be anything but. Forget about the 27-point loss and the woeful 30 percent shooting at Old Dominion Wednesday night. When junior forward Juwann James went down in the first half grabbing his right knee, the Dukes (10-6 overall, 3-3 in the Colonial Athletic Association) found themselves in a whole different place. More...