HAMPTON, Virginia — Hampton's frustrating South Carolina road trip prompted a lot of film study, self-scouting and introspection. The result was the Pirates' best total performance of the season.Hampton spotted James Madison a double-figure lead early, then responded well and held off the Dukes 69-65 Monday at the Convocation Center.
"We went back after we lost those two on the road and began to look at ourselves," HU coach Ed Joyner Jr., said, referring to consecutive losses to Winthrop and USC Upstate. "We watched a lot of film. We did more work off the court: talking, showing, seeing. Hopefully, tonight, we will begin to turn the corner."
Freshman guard Deron Powers scored all of his 19 points in the final 24 minutes, as the Pirates (3-10) opened as much as a 14-point lead in the second half. HU then weathered a frantic comeback and made just enough plays and free throws in the final three minutes for the win.
JMU (7-8) lost its second straight, in the midst of a difficult stretch. The Dukes were playing their third game in six days – all on the road – and the Hampton game was a non-conference affair sandwiched between CAA games last Saturday and Wednesday.
"We let our guard down," JMU coach Matt Brady said, "and we didn't do the things we needed to do to sustain the same effort. That's what it came down to, I thought. When we eventually lost the lead, we lost our focus and let them get a double-figure lead."
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