ODU takes its shot at mighty Stanford

Thursday's previews:

Old Dominion (0-2) at No. 5 Stanford (2-0), 10 p.m.
Kinda wish these Lady Monarchs weren't playing this team on that coast at this time. And isn't this a long way  to go for just one game? But what's done is done.... Gonzaga actually led the Cardinal at halftime a few days ago, so it's not like it's impossible to at least compete with Stanford. If the Lady Monarchs can run their stuff without a rash of turnovers and have a good night from 3-point range (Hey, Jackie Cook, you feelin' OK?), who says they can't hang around for a while? But even that is a huge ask for this still-developing squad on the road against a team of this caliber. So with the Barefoot Era still in its infancy, if the Lady Monarchs can leave Stanford without injury and with their pride and psyches intact, we'll consider it a good night. Stanford 81, Old Dominion 54

Maryland-Eastern Shore (0-1) at James Madison (2-0), 7 p.m.
Should be a festive pre-game as the Dukes will unfurl CAA Championship and NCAA banners and fete coach Kenny Brooks' 200th victory. The Dukes should have a few things to celebrate after this game, too, against a UMES squad that will compete defensively but has trouble putting the ball in the basket. JMU's execution is still a work in progress, though, so here's hoping the Dukes are focused and take maximum advantage of the live reps. JMU 75, UMES 45

George Mason (1-1) at Longwood (1-1), 7 p.m.
When these teams met last year - Mason rolled to a 73-45 victory in Fairfax - the Lancers got mauled on the boards (49-27) and Patriots center Evelyn Lewis went for 17 points and 14 rebounds. If Longwood can't be more competitive than that in the paint, they'll probably get spanked again. Of course, it will help if they don't give the Patriots so many missed shots to rebound - the Lancers shot just 29 percent in last year's meeting. Speaking of shaky offense...yeah, we're talking to you, Patriots (32 percent shooting through two games). I mean, the defense is great, but can we make just a few more shots? We'll say it again - that defense with a reasonably potent offense, look out, CAA. We're giving a slight nod to the Patriots tonight, but Longwood is a good home team and we wouldn't be surprised if the Lancers hold serve at Willett Hall. George Mason 59, Longwood 56