Photo: JMU Athletics
James Madison basketball experienced a mixed weekend on the road and at home, as the women’s team fell in a hard-fought comeback loss at Arkansas State while the men’s team delivered a commanding victory over Texas State in Harrisonburg.
Women’s Basketball Battles but Falls at Arkansas State
The JMU women’s team opened Sunday’s matchup in Jonesboro with energy and control, building a sizable early lead behind strong defense and efficient shooting. The Dukes forced multiple turnovers in the opening quarter and surged ahead 23–9, then extended the advantage to as many as 18 points midway through the second quarter.
Led by Peyton McDaniel’s perimeter shooting and Bree Robinson’s defensive pressure, JMU maintained a 35–25 edge at halftime. McDaniel finished with a team-high 21 points, including five three-pointers, while Ashanti Barnes recorded her eighth double-double of the season with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Robinson added 14 points and seven steals, tying one of the top single-game marks in program history.
Arkansas State began to chip away in the third quarter, fueled by Crislyn Rose’s playmaking and scoring. The Red Wolves cut the deficit to five heading into the final period and continued to build momentum.
In the fourth quarter, Arkansas State took control with hot shooting and consistent trips to the free-throw line. Rose and Zyion Shannon combined for 22 points in the final frame as the Red Wolves pulled away for a 74–67 win. JMU struggled with turnovers down the stretch, allowing Arkansas State to convert key mistakes into points.
Despite the loss, the Dukes showed resilience and balance, with strong contributions on both ends of the floor throughout the contest.
Men’s Basketball Cruises Past Texas State
On Saturday afternoon (Jan. 24), the JMU men’s team put together one of its most complete performances of the season in an 82–57 victory over Texas State at the Atlantic Union Bank Center.
The Dukes set the tone early, using sharp ball movement and perimeter shooting to gain control. After a brief tie early in the game, JMU went on a sustained run led by Justin McBride and Cliff Davis, opening a 47–28 halftime lead.
McBride and Davis each scored 18 points, combining for nine three-pointers on efficient shooting. Their long-range accuracy helped JMU stretch the defense and maintain steady offensive pressure throughout the game.
Bradley Douglas provided a spark off the bench with 13 points and five assists, while Christian Brown anchored the rebounding effort with nine boards.
JMU continued its strong play in the second half, extending the lead to as many as 28 points before closing out the victory. The Dukes shot over 52 percent from the field and made 14 three-pointers, marking one of their best offensive outings in conference play.
The win marked JMU’s fourth-largest Sun Belt victory margin since joining the league and highlighted the team’s ability to execute on both ends of the court.
Looking Ahead
Both programs will be back in action on Thursday, January 29.
The men’s team will travel to Troy, Alabama, to face Troy, while the women’s team will return home to Harrisonburg to host Louisiana.
As Sun Belt play continues, the Dukes will look to build on this weekend’s performances and push toward the postseason.