Dukes Show Fight in Back-to-Back Battles at the AUBC

James Madison women’s and men’s basketball both defended home court with grit and resilience Wednesday night at the Atlantic Union Bank Center, battling to the final minutes against tough Sun Belt opponents. While the results didn’t fall JMU’s way, the Dukes showed depth, toughness, and the kind of fight that defines the program.

Women’s Basketball: Dukes Rally, but Late Surge Lifts Georgia Southern

The James Madison women pushed to the brink in a physical Sun Belt matchup Wednesday night (January 7), ultimately falling 78–70 to Georgia Southern Eagles. Despite facing one of the most efficient shooting nights by an opponent in recent seasons, the Dukes refused to fold and mounted multiple comeback efforts.

After a slow start, JMU steadily chipped away at the deficit and came alive in the third quarter. A 12–2 run energized the home crowd and cut the Eagles’ lead to just three, showcasing the Dukes’ defensive pressure and transition attack. JMU briefly trailed by only two early in the fourth before Georgia Southern answered with a decisive run.

Four Dukes finished in double figures, led by Ashanti Barnes with 15 points. Bree Robinson and Zakiya Stephenson each added 14, while Peyton McDaniel posted a well-rounded performance with 10 points, seven rebounds, and two steals. Off the bench, Delilah Soltys delivered a career-high nine points, and Brianna McLeod contributed eight points and two blocks.

James Madison controlled several key areas, winning the battle in bench points, fast-break scoring, and second-chance opportunities — indicators of the team’s depth and effort. Even against elite shooting, the Dukes stayed competitive deep into the fourth quarter, a promising sign as conference play continues.

Men’s Basketball: Defensive Stand Fuels Late Push Against Marshall

The JMU men delivered one of their most resilient performances of the season, trimming a 13-point deficit down to a one-possession game before narrowly falling 66–64 to Marshall Thundering Herd.

After a challenging first half marked by turnovers, the Dukes locked in defensively after the break. JMU held Marshall without a field goal for the final 6:56 and limited the Herd to just 38.3% shooting — one of their lowest outputs of the season.

Justin McBride led the charge with 14 points, continuing his consistent scoring stretch, while Eddie Ricks III added 13 points. Preston Fowler recorded his third double-figure outing of the year, finishing with 10 points and a team-high eight rebounds.

Down to the final minutes, the Dukes clawed back behind defensive stops and timely baskets. McBride’s three-point play with just over two minutes remaining cut the deficit to 64–62, bringing the AUBC crowd to its feet. Though the comeback fell just short, the performance reflected JMU’s defensive identity and competitive edge.

Up Next

Sun Belt play continues this weekend with the Dukes splitting locations.

The James Madison women’s basketball team heads to Atlanta to take on Georgia State Panthers on Saturday, Jan. 10, with tipoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET at the Georgia State Convocation Center.

Meanwhile, the James Madison men’s basketball team returns to the Atlantic Union Bank Center to host Old Dominion Monarchs on Saturday, Jan. 10, with tipoff set for 4:00 p.m. The matchup will stream on ESPN+, with Curt Dudley and Steve Buckhantz on the call, as the Dukes aim to defend home court and turn late-game grit into a breakthrough win. 💜🏀

Murphy, Sam & Jodi