News Summary
The Jacksonville University men’s basketball team has been on a winning streak, boasting a record of 15-9 overall and 9-3 in the ASUN Conference. Despite missing their star player, the Dolphins showcased their depth with impressive performances from freshmen and key players alike. With the ASUN tournament approaching, Jacksonville’s strong defensive strategies and a series of significant victories place them as top contenders, creating excitement among fans and the university community as they aim for continued success.
Jacksonville’s Basketball Dolphins Making Waves in ASUN Conference
Jacksonville, Florida – Excitement is in the air as the Jacksonville University men’s basketball team has been on a tear, recently securing significant victories that have propelled them to a commendable record of 15-9 overall and 9-3 in conference play. With the ASUN tournament just around the corner, the Dolphins are showing their claws and making a strong case as contenders.
Shining Bright Without Their Star
In a recent matchup against Stetson, the Dolphins faced a tough challenge without their standout player, ASUN Preseason Player of the Year, Robert McCray V. Instead of crouching in their shadows, Jacksonville stepped up to the plate, showcasing the depth and skill of their roster. Freshman guard Chris Arias took the opportunity to make a name for himself, stepping into the starting lineup and averaging an impressive 11.5 points, five rebounds, and three assists in his two starts. Arias, who is shooting 41.6% from beyond the arc this season, proved to be a vital asset, effectively stretching the defense and keeping the opposing teams on their toes.
Breaking Records and Expectations
The game against Stetson saw Kendall Munson light up the scoreboard with a career-high of 23 points, while also grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out three assists. Not to be overshadowed, Stephon Payne III recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Despite being outshot at the free-throw line, Jacksonville showed their tenacity, leading throughout most of the game and sealing the win with fearless defensive plays that Head Coach Jordan Mincy emphasized, focusing on the importance of guarding without fouling to alleviate defensive pressure.
Building on Momentum Against Bellarmine
In their next outing against Bellarmine, the Dolphins started strong, demonstrating an impressive ability to dominate in the paint early on, scoring 10 points before the first media timeout. The game was intense and physical, with Jacksonville holding a slim lead at halftime, 35-32. A hallmark of the Dolphins’ success has been their strong defensive intensity, particularly in the second half, as they resisted late-game comebacks. Their defensive efficiency is noteworthy, ranking 86th in KenPom, which is the highest among ASUN teams, as they lead the conference in points allowed.
Milestone Achievements and Continued Dominance
As their winning streak continued with a victory against Central Arkansas, Jacksonville’s record further improved to 16-9 and 10-3 in conference play. McCray made headlines by notching his 1,000th collegiate point during this game, finishing with a team-high of 16 points. Freshman Kent Jackson also had a breakout performance, scoring a career-high 14 points and connecting on four of his six attempts from three-point range. The Dolphins had four players reach double digits against Central Arkansas, with Munson and Arias each contributing 10 points.
A Season to Remember
This remarkable run has not only boosted the team’s confidence but has also tied them for first place in the ASUN, with six games left on the schedule before the conference tournament begins. Notably, Jacksonville has achieved a perfect 6-0 in road conference games, marking their best start in that category since the 1986-1987 season. Although they barely lost the rebounding battle against Central Arkansas, their victory marked a significant turnaround after previously struggling when outrebounded.
As the Dolphins continue to ride this wave of success, the university community is buzzing with anticipation. Will they maintain their winning ways and claim a coveted spot in the ASUN tournament? Only time will tell, but for now, all eyes are on Jacksonville’s basketball team as they navigate the last stretch of the season, proving they’re a force to be reckoned with!
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville University: Dolphins Get Back on Track
- USA Today: FGCU vs Jacksonville Men’s Basketball
- Jacksonville University: McCray Eclipses 1000 Points
- UNF Ospreys: Takes Round One at Jacksonville
- Jacksonville.com: JU Dolphins and Robert McCray
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville University
