David vs Goliath: EMU vs JMU

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Junior Brad Parkes will be helping lead the team in the men's game agains JMU.

Even though the games are just an exhibition, the EMU men's and women's basketball teams have a rare opportunity when they take the floor on Tuesday, Nov. 7 against a Division I opponent, James Madison University.

Second year women's basketball coach Kevin Griffin commented on the unique opportunity that is presented to the Royals' by saying, "It may never happen again, it may happen next year, but I just want the kids to enjoy it while we are in it. JMU has a legitimate shot to be a top 25 team in the country this year; I want the kids to embrace the special chance they get here to go out and compete against some of the best in the country. I think we are all excited."

Even though an upset would be a tall task for the Royals', EMU men's coach Kirby Dean hasn't completely ruled out the possibility. "It is hard for me to imagine a way that we could actually win versus JMU, but anytime there is a competition, there is always that chance; no matter how infinitesimal that chance may be."

Both basketball games are free admission and will be played on the campus of JMU in the 7,612 seat Convocation Center. The Dukes are going to pose a very stern test for both Royals' squads, even though the JMU men and women's teams are on opposite ends of the spectrum as far as preseason predictions for the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) is concerned. The cross town institution is expected to finish 10th in the men's conference after coming off of a difficult 5-23 season. The Lady Dukes have aspirations of making the NCAA Tournament in March, and are predicted to finish 2nd after an NIT appearance and a 24-7 record.

Coach Griffin isn't concerned about the scoreboard. "I am worried about how we compete, and whether or not we execute. Naturally they are going to have a scoreboard up, that is why you play. I want us to have fun, play hard and play smart."

Coach Dean also had a very similar mindset about what he desires to get out of the game. "The bottom line is we want to compete next Tuesday. We want to represent EMU in a positive light so folks will know that some great things are happening on the north side of town. The end result or final score doesn't necessarily have a bearing on this goal."

The women will take the floor at the JMU Convocation Center at 6 p.m. The men will follow at 8 p.m.