FACTS & STATS: Site: Convocation Center (7,156) -- Harrisonburg, Virginia. Television: None. Home Record: West Virginia 0-0, James Madison 1-0. Away Record: West Virginia 0-0, James Madison 0-0. Neutral Record: West Virginia 0-0, James Madison 0-0. Conference Record: West Virginia 0-0, James Madison 0-0. Series Record: West Virginia leads, 5-3.

GAME NOTES: The West Virginia Mountaineers will tip-off their 2003-04 season tonight when they take on the James Madison Dukes in non-conference action from the Convocation Center in Harrisonburg. The Mountaineers are coming off of a very disappointing campaign from a year ago, as they went just 5-11 in Big East play and 14-15 overall. West Virginia did however qualify for the Big East Tournament and looked vastly improved under first year head coach John Beilein. The Mountaineers got off to a fast start (7-1) last year and Beilein is hoping the same can happen against this season. In regards to James Madison, it is also coming off of a troubled 2002-03 season when it finished just 13-17 overall. The Dukes did however go 8-10 in Colonial Athletic Association action and were making strides near the end of the year to give hope to a fruitful 2003-04 campaign. They started this season off right with a victory on Saturday, defeating Furman by a score of 78-72. The Mountaineers have won five of the eight previous all-time meetings with the Dukes. West Virginia was able to win last year's matchup between these two teams by a score of 70-67 at home.

The Mountaineers are a very young team this season, as they have one senior on the team and all of his points from a year ago came on a three-pointer against Pittsburgh. Last season, West Virginia was picked to finish dead last in the West Division, but finished second-to-last because of an even more terrible campaign by Rutgers. Junior forward Drew Schifino established himself as the team's best player last year and will once again be looked upon to carry this squad on his shoulders. He averaged 20.1 ppg to finish fifth in the conference and earned All-Big East Third Team honors because of it. The other offensive threat for the Mountaineers is sophomore center Kevin Pittsnogle. The 6-11 West Virginia native, made the All-Big East Rookie Team thanks to 11.6 ppg and his 47.6 percent shooting from behind the three-point line. In addition to his ability to hit long jumpers, Pittsnogle is an excellent passer for a player his size his size.

Ray Barbosa came off the James Madison bench to lead the team in the win over Furman, finishing with a game-high 28 points. Barbosa shot 11-of-15 from the field and 4-of-5 from behind the arc, while also collecting two rebounds. Dwayne Broyles chipped in 13 points and five boards and Chris Williams added 13 points and a team-high seven assists. The Dukes were able to shoot 54.4 percent from the floor and 53.8 percent from beyond the arc, helping them overcome just 56.3 percent shooting from the charity stripe. James Madison also played very well at the defensive end of the court, holding Furman to only 33.9 percent shooting from the floor. Barbosa, who was in his first college game, is really starting to open some eyes around the CAA. This freshman guard has the ability to hit shots from anywhere on the court and plays with a never-ending engine. Broyles and Williams continue to improve their games, which should help Barbosa grow on the court with the help of those two players.

The Mountaineers are very young, but they do have the offensive weapons to hang with this James Madison squad tonight. Expect an offensive battle, where defense becomes a mere afterthought. The Dukes have the home court advantage, but, West Virginia may be too tough in this one.

Predicted Outcome

West Virginia 78, James Madison 73