Tale Of The Tape: JMU at No. 11 Virginia

Posted on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, 12:09 pm

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After an impressive 14-point ACC win at Syracuse to start the season Wednesday, No. 11 Virginia returns to Charlottesville for today’s home opener against in-state opponent James Madison (6 p.m., ESPNU).

The Cavaliers (1-0, 1-0 ACC) overcame some poor shooting overall (20 for 49) and multiple careless turnovers Wednesday, and showed why they will still be a formidable contender despite losing three players to the NBA Draft.

Senior forward Mamadi Diakite (12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks) was one of four Wahoos that filled the stat sheet against the Orange, along with sophomore guard Kihei Clark (10 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists), junior forward Jay Huff (11 points, 12 rebounds) and senior forward Braxton Key (7 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals), while UVA fans got their first true glimpse of newcomers Casey Morsell, Tomas Woldetensae and Justin McKoy.

The Cavaliers will be playing their first game at John Paul Jones Arena as reigning national champions, with the new banner hanging from the rafters.

The Dukes (1-0, 0-0 Colonial) knocked off Charlotte in their season opener and are led by junior guard Matt Lewis, who put up team highs of 22 points and 13 rebounds in the win over the 49ers.

Virginia has prevailed in 22 consecutive home openers, and has taken 21 of the last 24 meetings against in-state foes. The ‘Hoos are a perfect 10-0 in the first home game of the season since Tony Bennett’s arrival in the 2009-10 season and have won 17 straight against non-conference opponents at JPJ.