Ever since becoming a part of the Sun Belt Conference last season, Number 19 James Madison has emerged as the most victorious team within the association.
However, the Dukes cannot afford to become too complacent. When Thursday night arrives, James Madison (13-0, 1-0) will embark on their inaugural visit to Lafayette, La., to go up against Louisiana (7-6, 0-1). This clash will witness the convergence of two winning streaks – the Dukes’ unprecedented 13-game sequence and the Ragin’ Cajuns’ 19-game unbeaten run at home.
Terrence Edwards Jr., the prime scorer for James Madison, anticipates a confrontational ambiance, as the Dukes are set to become the very first ranked squad to play at the Cajundome since 2006. “It doesn’t make us nervous. It makes us want to play,” expressed Edwards. “It’s packed, with everyone watching us and expecting us to be defeated. It gives us an advantage.”
The Dukes have remained undefeated in true away matches, commencing the season with a stunning overtime triumph against then-No. 4 Michigan State, with a score of 79-76. Merely three days later, James Madison terminated Kent State’s 23-game winning spree at home, emerging victorious with a score of 113-108 in double overtime.
“I believe it solidified what we stand for and how we execute,” expressed forward T.J. Bickerstaff regarding the Dukes’ expedition in November.
In their lone encounter with Louisiana last year, on February 18, the Dukes emerged triumphant with a 74-68 victory in Harrisonburg, Va. This marked the final league defeat of the season for the Ragin’ Cajuns, who proceeded to clinch the conference tournament and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. However, their journey was cut short in the opening round by fourth-seeded Tennessee, with a score of 58-55.
A year has passed, and both the Dukes and the Ragin’ Cajuns have undergone transformations. James Madison has emerged as one of the most experienced teams in the country, incorporating graduate transfers Bickerstaff (Boston College) and Michael Green III (Robert Morris) to bolster their starting lineup, which already featured fifth-year players Noah Freidel and Julien Wooden.
While Bickerstaff maintains an average of 16.2 points and the highest tally of 8.3 rebounds per game, Green has fortified the Dukes as a force in the backcourt, averaging 11.2 points and 4.8 assists.
Louisiana, on the other hand, is propelled by Sun Belt’s leading scorer Kobe Julien (18.6 points per game), who has been excelling in his sixth college season, overcoming a career marred by injuries.
The Ragin’ Cajuns also rely on remnants such as Themus Fulks (11.3 points, 4.5 assists per game) and Joe Charles (11.2 points, 9.2 rebounds per game).
Louisiana holds the distinction of being the most accurate team in the Sun Belt when it comes to 3-point shooting, boasting a percentage of 37.8, with Kentrell Garnett (42.9 percent) and Julien (40.6 percent) emerging as the foremost threats from long range.
“As defending champions, they are an excellent team, guided by a magnificent coach, and operate in a fantastic environment,” iterated Dukes coach Mark Byington.
Byington conveyed these sentiments after James Madison’s 82-65 home triumph over Texas State, led by Bickerstaff with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
On the other hand, at Marshall, Louisiana suffered a 75-61 defeat in their Sun Belt opener, as the Ragin’ Cajuns only managed to convert 5 of 22 shots from beyond the arc.
Considering that the Ragin’ Cajuns are slated to engage in five of their initial seven conference matches away from home, they’ll cherish the opportunity to play at home on Thursday.
“The Sun Belt schedule is what it is,” acknowledged coach Bob Marlin. “This makes for a challenging start.”
