James Madison delivered a resounding 82-57 victory over Texas State at the Atlantic Union Bank Center, exceeding expectations with a dominant performance. The Dukes, predicted to win by just 3.2 points according to CHD Scout, instead ran away with the game, outscoring the Bobcats by 25 points. This convincing win was fueled by a balanced attack, with three players scoring in double figures, led by Justin McBride's 18 points and 5 rebounds.
The game unfolded with James Madison taking control from the outset, building a 47-28 halftime lead. The Dukes' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with McBride and Cliff Davis combining for 36 points. Davis matched McBride's 18 points, while Bradley Douglas chipped in 13 points and 5 assists. The Dukes' defense was equally impressive, limiting Texas State to just 28 points in the first half and 57 for the game.
Mark Drone was the lone bright spot for Texas State, scoring 17 points in a losing effort. DJ Hall added 14 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Dukes' stifling defense. The Bobcats struggled to find any rhythm, shooting just 29% from the field in the first half and never recovering.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The margin of victory was a surprise, given the pre-game prediction of a close contest. However, James Madison's performance was a reflection of their depth and versatility. The Dukes' ability to score from multiple positions and shut down their opponent's offense will serve them well as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.
This result has real consequences for both teams' resumes. For James Madison, the win is a Quadrant 4 victory, which may not carry significant weight but still helps to bolster their overall record. The Dukes now sit at 10-11, with a net ranking of 245. Texas State, on the other hand, falls to 11-11 and sees their net ranking drop to 264. The loss is also a Quadrant 4 defeat for the Bobcats, which won't help their tournament chances.
As the season enters its final stretch, James Madison want to build on this momentum and string together more wins. With their balanced attack and stingy defense, they have the potential to make some noise in their conference tournament. For now, this dominant win over Texas State serves as a statement of their capabilities, and they want to continue making a case for themselves as a potential tournament contender.