Streaking Dukes Roll Into Big Dance

Photo from early-season James Madison game against Kent State

Photo Credit: Frank Jansky, Icon Sportswire from Getty Images

Currently on a 13-game win streak, the James Madison Dukes(31-3) topped off the Sun Belt Conference Tournament by dominating the Arkansas State Red Wolves(18-16) by a score of 91-71, according to ESPN.

The Red Wolves, the initial four-seed in the tournament, made it to the championship game by defeating the five-seed Louisiana, the one-seeded Appalachian State(a major upset in the Tournament), before losing to the Dukes in the final. 

Photo from early-season James Madison win against Michigan State

Photo Credit: Dale Young, USA TODAY Sports

In the Championship game, the Dukes were simply unstoppable, going 35-56(62.5%) from the field and 11-19(57.9%) from three, according to ESPN. The team effort was evident from the Dukes, as they overcame a -14 free throw attempt differential to take the Sun Belt Championship crown. With four players scoring in double digits, the Dukes look to be peaking right before the tournament that truly matters.

Photo from early-season James Madison win against Michigan State

Photo Credit: Al Goldis, Associated Press Photo

James Madison represents yet another mid-major team that has their eyes set on an upset of a Power-Six team. Though the team’s lackluster schedule may take away from their startling 31-3 record, the Florida Atlantic Owls had the same record going into the tournament, eventually making the Final Four amid concerns for their regular season strength of schedule.