GAME NOTES: The Virginia Commonwealth Rams will attempt to continue their dominance over the Colonial Athletic Association when they host the James Madison Dukes this evening at the Siegel Center. The Dukes have lost seven of their last eight games, including a rough, 99-85 setback to UNC-Wilmington this past Saturday. The current skid has dropped JMU's conference ledger to a meager 4-9 on the year. Fortunately the Dukes will be able to close out their regular season with four of their last five contests at home. As for the Rams, they have been outstanding throughout the season, winning 18 of their 23 games. The squad has won 10 of its last 11 games, including three in a row. The most recent win was an 83-73 victory over Delaware, which propelled the Rams' league mark to a conference-best 11-2 on the year. The Rams have been especially tough to beat at home, as the team is a perfect 10-0 at the Siegel Center. The Dukes snapped a five-game losing skid against VCU earlier this season with a thrilling, 62-61 victory. However, despite the loss, the Rams still hold a commanding, 38-19 edge in the all-time series.

The Dukes' play defensively has been a problem throughout the season, as the squad is surrendering 75.0 ppg, while allowing the opposition to shoot 47.4 percent from the floor. That terrible play continued this past Saturday, as the squad suffered a 99-85 loss to UNC-Wilmington. In the loss, the Dukes allowed the Seahawks to connect on a staggering 61.8 percent from the floor, and 9- of-21 from behind the arc. The lackluster defensive effort, overshadowed a sensational performance by Abdulai Jalloh, who poured in 37 points in the loss. Jalloh, who is leading the squad with 15.9 ppg, also grabbed seven rebounds and collected four steals in the loss. Heiden Ratner contributed 16 points, while Juwann James chipped in 15 points. James, along with Terrance Carter have formed a solid duo in the frontcourt. On the year, Carter is netting 13.4 ppg to go along with a team-best 7.3 rpg, while James is contributing 12.8 ppg to go along with 6.2 rpg and 17 blocks.

The backcourt tandem of Eric Maynor and Jamal Shuler have caused havoc for opponents throughout the year, and the two guards are the main reason why VCU is averaging 68.7 ppg. Maynor is not only leading the squad with 17.7 ppg, but junior has also dished out a team-best 120 assists. As for Shuler, he is producing 15.6 ppg, while also grabbing a solid 4.7 rpg. The dangerous duo was at it again this past Saturday, as the two helped VCU to a 10-point win over Delaware. In the victory Maynor and Shuler both scored 21 points apiece, while Maynor also dished out 10 assists and grabbed seven boards. As a whole, VCU shot a strong 50.0 percent from the floor and made 9-of-20 attempts from behind the arc.

The Dukes just barely defeated VCU earlier this season in Harrisonburg. However, a repeat performance for James Madison is highly unlikely, especially on the home floor of the Rams.