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WVU Opens Florida Sunshine Classic with Dukes
December 19, 2015 08:39 AM | Women's Basketball
WINTER PARK, Fla. - The West Virginia University women’s basketball team returns to action this weekend, Dec. 20-21, at the Florida Sunshine Classic on the campus of Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. The Mountaineers take on James Madison in a 5 p.m. matchup on Sunday, Dec. 20, before closing out the two-day tournament with Indiana on Monday, Dec. 21, in a 7:15 p.m. tipoff.
West Virginia (8-2) has reeled off six consecutive victories, including a 74-43 win over Longwood on Wednesday evening. Preseason Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) favorite James Madison has produced a 6-2 record this season, while Indiana holds a 7-2 mark during non-conference action. Other teams participating in this weekend’s Florida Sunshine Classic include fellow Big 12 foe Baylor and ACC member Miami.
A free video stream link will be provided at WVUsports.com. Jeff Culhane and Liz Repella will call the action on the Mountaineer Sports Network from IMG. Fans can listen to the contest on various affiliates across the state, online at WVUsports.com or by using the TuneIn Radio app.
The Mountaineers are visiting Florida for the first time since 2012 when WVU played in the FIU Thanksgiving Classic in Miami. WVU has won five out of its last seven contests in the Sunshine State. WVU and JMU are meeting for the first time since 2003, with West Virginia holding a 5-3 edge in the all-time series. The Mountaineers bested the Dukes, 89-63, in the last meeting on Nov. 29, 2003, at the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
“It’s going to be a big challenge,” said coach Mike Carey on playing JMU Sunday. “Their strength is their guard play. They have quick guards that come at you. They are very athletic and run up and down the floor. It’s going to be a tough game for us. Our guards are going to have to move their feet and we will need to play hard.”
According to the NCAA’s schedule rank, the Mountaineers have the second toughest upcoming schedule in the country. WVU opponents have won 81.5 percent of their games. Only Baylor has a tougher schedule, as Lady Bear opponents have won 82.2 percent of their contests.
In 10 games this season, WVU is boasting an average of 76.0 points per game, while limiting opponents to 54.9 points per contest. West Virginia’s field goal percentage defense of 31.4 is fifth nationally, while the team’s 1.21 assist-to-turnover ratio is 30th in the country.
Bria Holmes, a Naismith Trophy watch list candidate, is second in the Big 12 with 18.1 points per game. Freshman Olivia Seggie ranks second in the league and seventh nationally with a 3.56 assist-to-turnover ratio. Center Lanay Montgomery’s 3.5 blocks lead the Big 12 and her 9.4 rebounds per game are third in the conference.
The Dukes are coming off a 73-47 win over Richmond last Sunday. JMU previously had setbacks to UCLA (90-61) and St. Bonaventure (56-45). James Madison was voted the preseason favorite by the CAA coaches. JMU’s offense is averaging 71.6 points per game, while limiting opponents to 51.4 per contest. In eight games this season, the Dukes are shooting 41.0 percent.
CAA Preseason Player of the Year Jazmon Gwathmey paces the Dukes with 19.1 points per game. Ashley Perez is contributing with 15.1 points and Angele Mickens with 10.4 points per game to round out JMU’s double-figure scorers.
On Monday, West Virginia will face Indiana in a 7:15 p.m. tilt. The Hoosiers have won four consecutive games, which includes a 69-60 victory over Georgia Tech in Bloomington. IU will face Miami on Sunday evening in its first game of the Florida Sunshine Classic. This weekend will be the final non-conference road swing for WVU before returning home on Dec. 30, to host Elon at the Coliseum.
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