James Madison secured a hard-fought 70-69 victory over Old Dominion at the Atlantic Union Bank Center, thanks in large part to a stellar outing from Justin McBride. The James Madison forward poured in 29 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, leading his team to a narrow win. McBride's performance was complemented by Gabe Newhof's 17 points and 5 rebounds, as well as Eddie Ricks III's 10 points and 9 rebounds.
Old Dominion got off to a strong start, taking a 44-27 lead into halftime. KC Shaw led the charge for the Monarchs, finishing with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Robert Davis Jr. added 13 points, while Jordan Battle chipped in with 11. However, James Madison stormed back in the second half, outscoring Old Dominion 43-25 to snatch the victory. The Dukes' second-half surge was fueled by McBride's relentless attack, as he scored from both inside and outside the paint.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that James Madison's ability to adjust and adapt would be the key to their success. The Dukes made significant adjustments on defense, limiting Old Dominion's scoring opportunities and creating turnovers that led to transition baskets. On the other end, McBride's scoring prowess proved too much for the Monarchs to handle, as he consistently found ways to get to the rim and finish through contact.
The win improves James Madison's record to 10-11, while Old Dominion falls to 6-15. Although this result may not have significant tournament implications for either team, it is a crucial win for James Madison's resume. As a Quadrant 4 victory, it may not carry significant weight, but it demonstrates the Dukes' ability to compete and win close games. For Old Dominion, the loss is a tough pill to swallow, particularly given their strong first-half performance. However, as a Quadrant 3 game, it is still a valuable experience for the Monarchs.
In terms of tournament chances, James Madison's win keeps them on the periphery of the conversation. While they still have significant work to do, the Dukes have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. With McBride leading the charge, they have the potential to make a late push and potentially sneak into the tournament picture. Old Dominion, on the other hand, faces an uphill climb, but they can still use this game as a learning experience and build towards a stronger finish to the season.
Ultimately, James Madison's victory over Old Dominion serves as a reflection of the Dukes' resilience and determination. With McBride at the helm, they have the potential to make a lasting impact in the season's final stretch. As the Dukes continue to navigate their schedule, they want to build on this momentum and make a push for a stronger finish. The win may not have significant tournament implications, but it is a crucial step in the right direction for James Madison.