JMU Takes National Stage, Hosts Akron Saturday on ESPN2

James Madison Dukes (21-3, 9-3 SBC) vs. Akron Zips (18-5, 10-1 MAC)
February 10, 2024 - 6:00 p.m. EST
Harrisonburg, Va. - Atlantic Union Bank Center
Game Links:
Tickets · Live Stats · ESPN2 · Audio Broadcast
JMU Game Notes
JMUSports.com · @JMUMBasketball · #GoDukes

HARRISONBURG ON THE NATIONAL STAGE

The James Madison (21-3, 9-3 SBC) men's basketball team is set to host a nationally broadcast MAC-SBC Challenge matchup against the Akron Zips (18-5, 10-1 MAC) on Saturday evening at the Atlantic Union Bank Center.
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) and Sun Belt Conference (SBC) announced this game would be elevated on January 25^th, making it the second time this season that a JMU game has been selected for a national broadcast.
Tipoff at the Atlantic Union Bank Center is scheduled for 6 p.m. You can catch the action on ESPN2.

The MAC-SBC Challenge

This game will showcase the highest-ranked teams in the Mid-American Conference and Sun Belt Conference based on their NET rankings. The Akron Zips from the MAC currently hold the 86th spot as of Thursday, while the James Madison Dukes are positioned at No. 63.
These teams have both been consistently recognized by CollegeInsider.com as Top 25 programs throughout the season in the Mid Major Poll. The latest edition of the poll, which came out on Monday, has the Dukes ranked No. 8, while Akron is No. 15.
The Zips are 10-1 in MAC play, and lead the conference by a game over Toledo (NET 125).
James Madison is 9-3 through the first 12 games of their Sun Belt Conference schedule, and sits in second place behind a tie at the top between App State (NET 85) and Troy (NET 135) who both have 10-2 conference records. App State plays Toledo on Saturday, while Troy plays Kent State (NET 177).

ZEALOUS ZIPS

Akron enters Saturday's game on a three-game win streak, and had been on a seven-game win streak before a 70-68 loss at Miami (OH) on Jan. 27^th broke that up. The Zips are 11-1 since the start of the New Year.
On Tuesday, the Zips faced MAC foe Central Michigan and defeated the Chippewas 68-47 for their 11^th win at home (11-0).
Against Central Michigan, Enrique Freeman led the Zips with a double-double, scoring 17 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Greg Tribble also contributed 17 points, along with seven rebounds and two blocks. Tavari Johnson provided valuable support off the bench with 10 points.
Akron's defense stifled Central Michigan, holding them to just 16 percent shooting from beyond the arc and 30.8 percent from the field overall.
As a team, Akron ranks 20th in scoring defense, allowing only 64.3 points per game. The team's scoring margin of 11.6 points ranks 33rd nationally.
Enrique Freeman leads the team, averaging 18.5 points per game, and 13.0 rebounds per game. His 35 blocks on the season account for over 53 percent of the team's total (66). The 6-7 senior forward is shooting 59.7 percent from the field this season.
Ali Ali is the only other Zip averaging double figure scoring (15.7 points per game).
Sammy Hunter and Mikal Dawson have both made 40 3-pointers this season. Hunter is shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc, while Dawson is at a 31 percent clip from long range.

LAST TIME OUT FOR JMU

The Dukes are coming off a midweek road battle in Arkansas. They took a 77-73 win at A-State on Wednesday. They have now won three-straight games, and are 8-3 since the start of the New Year.
James Madison's strong defensive stand limited Arkansas State to just 18.5 percent shooting in the first half.
Noah Freidel led JMU with 19 points and 10 rebounds, securing his second double-double of the season. Terrence Edwards Jr. contributed 14 points. Julien Wooden, Raekwon Horton, & Jaylen Carey combined for 26 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

JMU and Akron are both on three-game win streaks entering Saturday.
The all-time series record is tied 1-1. Both teams defended their home court in the first two iterations of this matchup, but they haven't met in over 20 years (12/6/2003 – Akron won, 78-70).
The MAC-SBC Challenge belt is on the line as the team's look to bring glory to their respective conferences.

FLIP ON THE TELLY

Catch the action starting at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2, with Connor Onion and David Padgett broadcasting.

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