James Madison

By Robert Canady: robert_canady@msn.com

 

The matchup between #10 Florida and Rutgers on Thursday night was hyped up due to the return of Mike Rosario, who transferred from the New Jersey school following two seasons in New Brunswick. But his return was a subplot in what turned out to be one of the best games of the calendar year, with the focus by the end being Mike Rice's young guards. Eli Carter led the way with 31 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while Myles Mack knocked down some big shots late in regulation and during the overtime periods to lead Rutgers to the 85-83 double overtime victory.

The best game in regards to the national polls would be Notre Dame visiting Pittsburgh in the first game of the Big Monday doubleheader. But a good argument can be made that the matchup between the Fighting Irish and Panthers isn't the most important game of the night. That distinction goes to Baylor visiting Kansas State in a matchup of two teams who need a win period, not just one to prop up their respective resumes.

In the most recent installment in his coaching greats interview series CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time talking with former James Madison head coach Lou Campanelli, who led the Dukes to five NCAA Tournament appearances before moving on to take the Cal job in 1985. James Madison has yet to duplicate Campanelli's level of success since his departure. 

Overall Rank: #82

With four teams legitimately battling for the CAA title, and top-notch players like Charles Jenkins and Chad Tomko on lesser teams, the CAA season should be one to remember.

George Mason

Hofstra

Northeastern

Old Dominion

VCU

Other (Delaware, Drexel, Georgia St, JMU, etc)

 

James Madison Dukes

The pairings are set for the 2009 CAA Men's Basketball Championship, which will be held March 6-9 at the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Va.