James Madison Dukes Hold Off Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 67-65 Behind Cliff Davis's 22 Points

The James Madison Dukes secured a hard-fought 67-65 victory over the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at The HTC Center, a win that showed their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Coastal Carolina, led by Joshua Beadle's 31 points, seemed poised to take control of the game, but James Madison's balanced attack and clutch shooting ultimately decided the outcome. The Dukes' Cliff Davis led the way with 22 points and 6 rebounds, while Gabe Newhof and Bradley Douglas chipped in with 9 points each. This victory marked James Madison's 15th win of the season, improving their record to 15-13, and it was their third win in their last five games, where they averaged 69.8 points per game.

As the game unfolded, it became clear that James Madison's ability to adapt and adjust would be crucial in determining the winner. The Dukes trailed by as many as 5 points in the second half but managed to rally behind Davis's strong play, outscoring Coastal Carolina 35-33 in the final 20 minutes. The Chanticleers, on the other hand, struggled to maintain their momentum, despite Beadle's impressive scoring display. Rasheed Jones and AJ Dancler provided some support with 10 and 8 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome James Madison's collective effort. Over their last 5 games, Coastal Carolina had averaged 72 points per game, but their defense had been a concern, allowing 71.6 points per game, which ultimately was their downfall.

The stat lines don't fully capture the impact of Davis's performance, as he hit several big shots late, including a crucial three-pointer with just over 2 minutes remaining to give James Madison a 62-59 lead. Beadle, on the other hand, seemed to vanish in the final minutes, scoring only 2 points in the last 5 minutes of the game. Newhof and Douglas provided a significant boost off the bench, combining for 18 points and 11 rebounds, and their contributions were instrumental in James Madison's win. The Dukes' ability to get production from multiple players was a key factor in their victory, as they had 3 players score in double figures, while Coastal Carolina had only 2.

The CHD Scout prediction had Coastal Carolina winning by 1.8 points, but this was incorrect, as James Madison's strong second-half performance and clutch shooting ultimately decided the game.

The prediction model likely underestimated James Madison's ability to adjust and adapt, as well as their resilience in the face of adversity. The Dukes' recent form, which included wins over App State and Georgia State, suggested that they were a team on the rise, and this victory only reinforces that notion. Coastal Carolina, on the other hand, has struggled with consistency, as evidenced by their 3-2 record over their last 5 games, which included a surprising loss to South Alabama. The Chanticleers' inability to close out games has been a recurring issue, and it cost them again in this matchup.

As the season enters its final stretch, this win could have real consequences for James Madison's tournament picture. With a current NET ranking of 219, the Dukes are still on the outside looking in, but this victory over a Quadrant 4 opponent could help improve their resume.

The win moves James Madison to a 15-13 record, and while it may not be enough to push them into the tournament conversation just yet, it's a step in the right direction. The Dukes' ability to win on the road against a team like Coastal Carolina, which has a NET ranking of 224, demonstrates their potential to compete against tougher opponents. For Coastal Carolina, this loss is a setback, as they had been trending upwards with wins over Louisiana and Massachusetts. The Chanticleers' recent form had been promising, but this defeat raises questions about their ability to close out games and perform under pressure.

In the end, James Madison's 67-65 victory over Coastal Carolina was a reflection of their grit and determination. The Dukes' ability to overcome adversity and perform in clutch situations will serve them well as they enter the final stretch of the season. With 4 games remaining, James Madison want to build on this momentum and make a push for a tournament berth. For now, this win is a significant step in the right direction, and it will be interesting to see how they respond in their next game. The Dukes have a chance to make some noise in the tournament conversation, and this win over Coastal Carolina is a great starting point.

HEADLINE: James Madison Dukes Hold Off Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 67-65 Behind Cliff Davis's 22 Points SUBHEADLINE: James Madison's win over Coastal Carolina improves their record to 15-13, and they are now 3-2 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of 0.8 points.