HARRISONBURG -- Fans all across the Valley were cheering on their James Madison Dukes. JMU was hoping to make history by becoming the first 16th seed to take down a number 1.
The feeling at O'Neill's watch party was nothing but electric. Words can't describe the emotion everyone felt for their Dukes.
Even though they lost, their fans couldn't be happier with how they performed.
Kelly Smith is a senior at JMU and was happy to see her school make it to the NCAA tournament. She feels the crowd at O'Neill's was positive.
"The atmosphere was good. Everyone was routing on our Dukes. We were all really proud to see them in March Madness. Obviously were would have liked to have seen them win but I am still proud of them regardless," said Smith.
Jennifer Socur is a 5th year senior at JMU and thought the Dukes didn't do too bad. She texted the score all night.
"It was a little overwhelming coming in as number 16 going against number one. But I think we held our own and I'm proud of our Dukes," said Kocur.
You could hear the crowd go crazy when the Dukes did well. Fans cheered whenever there was a dunk or a three ball.
JMU alumnus J.R. Snow brought his family to the watch party. He thinks next year the Dukes might be able to make another run at NCAA championship.
"I think we have some fantastic talent where we can continue to build upon and so I think it's an exciting time for JMU basketball. I think this is one step in a direction of us having an opportunity to do wonderful things," said Snow.
Fans weren't able to see a Cinderella story this evening but this only showed confidence fans for next season.
JMU Fans React to Loss