East Carolina @ James Madison preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 9, 2018 ) James Madison 73, East Carolina 72

Five losses to smaller conference teams have meant a tough start to the season for East Carolina. But the Pirates will have a chance to get back on track when they travel to James Madison on Saturday night.

Pirates Joe Dooley cleaned house during the offseason by bringing in 11 new players, but the results have not been there as the team has been held to fewer than 70 points in each of its five losses. Part of that could be attributed to poor outside shooting as they are 23.7 percent from 3-point range - sixth-worst among the nation's 350 Division I teams entering Friday. East Carolina was 1-for-20 from deep in its most recent game - a 77-69 loss to Rice on Sunday in the Bahamas Showcase. The Dukes were limited to 34 points against defending national champion Virginia earlier this season, but have defeated two Conference USA opponents.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, No TV

ABOUT EAST CAROLINA (2-5): Despite all the newcomers, it is returning sophomore forward Jaylen Gardner that the offense has gone through as he averages 19.9 points. Point guard Tristen Newton is the only player to start all seven games, and averages 10 points while boasting a 25:12 assist-turnover ratio. Junior college transfer Tyrie Jackson, who missed the first four contests because of injury, struggled in his first two games before scoring a game-high 20 points against Rice.

ABOUT JAMES MADISON (4-3): Junior guard Matt Lewis has led the way for the Dukes, averaging 18.7 points and eclipsing 19 points in six of seven contests. Forward Zach Jacobs, who averaged three points in 2018-2019, has been a presence down low with 9.6 points and 7.7 rebounds while blocking 12 shots on the season. Junior guard Darius Banks, who broke the school record for 3-point shooting percentage in a season at 49.3 percent in 2018-2019, is 40 percent from downtown this season.

TIP-INS

1. When Gardner attempts more than 10 field goals, he shoots 64.5 percent. When he takes 10 or fewer, he shoots 39.1 percent.

2. Gardner and Lewis were in the top five in country in free throws made and free throws attempted entering Friday.

3. The Dukes have the fifth-largest freshmen class in the country with seven listed on their roster.

PREDICTION: East Carolina 72, James Madison 68