Winning shot may get Dukes back on track

In her three games prior to Sunday’s contest against Drexel University, sophomore guard Lesley Dickinson made 12 of 52 shots from the floor, dropping her season field-goal percentage to a shade over 37 percent.

Against the Dragons, Dickinson struggled again, shooting 4 for 15.

But, as the age old basketball adage goes, big players make big shots in big situations — and with the game tied at 48, JMU coach Kenny Brooks turned to Dickinson for a game winner.

"I know when its coming down to crunch time and she’s shooting, I feel very confident," Brooks said.

So, with 30 seconds left, Brooks took a timeout and called Dickinson’s number.

"He called the high-ball screen," Dickinson said. "I saw Dre (sophomore guard Andrea Benvenuto) coming to my side, so I was just ready to get the ball and knock down a shot."

Dickinson did knock down the shot, a 12-foot jumper to give JMU a 50-48 lead. Ten seconds and two Drexel misses later, the Dukes had a two-point victory.

"I was sure Dickinson was going to take the shot," Drexel coach Denise Dillon said. "They were going to get the ball in her hands."

But knowing Dickinson was going to take JMU’s final shot — and stopping it — proved to be two different stories.

"She was guarded," Dillon said. "We had a hand in her face. She’s just a very athletic kid who can shoot over people."

Brooks said Dickinson’s recent shooting woes were not a factor in his decision.

"I have confidence in her and she has confidence in herself," Brooks said. "I feel that every shot she takes is going to go in."

For Dickinson, the game winner may serve to help break out of her self-described "funk." She was shooting 43 percent from the floor before her 12 for 52 tailspin as JMU sprinted out of the gate to an 8-2 overall record.

"I’m glad if I could make any shot it was that one," Dickinson said. "Hopefully, that will help me get the ball rolling."

But the shot may serve a bigger purpose for the Dukes. It already broke a three-game losing streak, and Brooks believes it could jump start his club along with his second-leading scorer.

"She understand that she’s a big part of our offense," Brooks said. "She’s going to get it rolling and I think she’ll have a breakout game soon."