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The Colonial Athletic Association, or the CAA, is known as one of the better mid-major conferences on the East Coast. Historically, CAA teams have also made deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. Old Dominion was a long-time CAA member and made the Elite Eight most recently in 2002. Meanwhile, Delaware made the Sweet Sixteen in 2013 during Elena Delle Donne’s senior season.
This year, three CAA teams are heading into mid-December with one defeat or less. Northeastern remains the CAA’s lone undefeated team with an 8-0 record. The Huskies’ biggest victories so far this season include an 84-79 win over Dayton on Nov. 17 and a 79-66 win over SEC foe Florida on Nov. 28.
Meanwhile, the James Madison Dukes are 6-1. They also defeated Dayton on Dec. 3, 68-55, but also won against Big East opponent Georgetown on Nov. 16, 69-57. They will start a tough three-game stretch against major conference opponents later today beginning with a road match against the No. 7 Maryland Terrapins.
The Drexel Dragons are the CAA’s defending regular season champions. They are currently on a six-game winning streak. Their lone defeat came in their home opener against Quinnipiac when they lost 56-52 on Nov. 9. Since that season-opening loss, all of their victories have been by double digits.
The CAA’s most notable senior does not play for Northeastern, JMU or Drexel, however. William and Mary senior guard Bianca Boggs was named a top-30 finalist for the women’s basketball Senior CLASS Award. She is averaging 15.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game for the Tribe, who are 5-3 so far this season. William and Mary is not projected to win the CAA, but if they can at least come close to it, Boggs would definitely be a major part in that. She is also the first Tribe player to make the All-CAA First Team in ten years.
CAA games of the week
James Madison Dukes (6-1) at No. 7 Maryland Terrapins (8-0)
When: Saturday, Dec. 8 at 12 p.m. ET
Where: XFINITY Center, College Park, MD
How to watch: BTN Plus
Notes: The Dukes have remained undefeated so far in the regular season except for a 72-65 loss to Hampton on Nov. 20. A win over Maryland would be a big boost for the Dukes’ NCAA Tournament hopes if they do not win the conference tournament this spring.
Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (3-5) vs. UCF Knights (6-1)
When: Sunday, Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m. ET
Where: Bob Carpenter Center, Newark, DE
How to watch: YouTube
Notes: Delaware had a rough start to their season and are one of three teams in the conference who are below .500. They will play against a UCF team that has some votes in the ESPN Coaches Poll. Delaware has struggled early this season, but a win here will be a positive boost as they head toward conference play.