Anchorman lifts Dukes to win

There is inconsistency within the men’s basketball team — they’re 5-20.

However, one area you won’t find inconsistency is in sophomore guard Ray Barbosa. He is a constant force for the Dukes, and proved it again Monday night.

In a nail-biter against Longwood University, anchorman Barbosa came through for his team, hitting a 3-pointer to put the Dukes up by 1, with 41 seconds remaining.

"When I took that shot I had a lot of confidence," Barbosa said.

JMU coach Dean Keener said, "Ray’s jump shot is getting better and better."

Luckily for the Dukes, Barbosa has been hot during their cold streak in the month of February. He has finished all but one of their February games with double figures, and has logged at least 30 minutes in each game.

Barbosa’s determination and consistency finally paid off, as the Dukes broke their eight-game losing-streak, which began Jan. 29.

"The win feels good," Barbosa said. "It puts us back on track. One win gives you confidence, and we have a big stretch coming up and the [Colonial Athletic Association] tournament."

Barbosa wasn’t the sole contributor to the Dukes’ victory on Monday, though. Sophomore forward Cavell Johnson and junior guard Jomo Belfor also added double-digit point totals to keep their team in a tight game.

However, it was Barbosa’s 3-pointer that gave the team the chance to pull off the win.

Barbosa is the team’s active leader in scoring and 3-pointers. His 3-pointer on Monday couldn’t have come at a more crucial time for the Dukes, who had blown a 6-point lead within a minute and a half.
Belfor and sophomore forward Chris Cathlin helped set up the last play of the game by setting a pick and a screen.

"Everyone anticipated that drive," Belfor said. "It was a win-lose situation, either you make it and win, or you miss and lose. That’s his money play."

Barbosa’s "money play" paid off big for the Dukes. The defense was able to prevent Longwood from scoring again, and Cathlin added one more with a free throw with 1.8 seconds left.

"We have some confidence now," Barbosa said. "We were 4-20 and we needed a win. Now we know we can finish."

Finish is just what the Dukes did on Monday, and Barbosa proved once again that he is kind of a big deal.