MORGANTOWN WV: (JMU Athletics) – James Madison women’s basketball outscored Kentucky 46-39 over the final three quarters, however the Wildcats’ 32-10 performance in the opening frame propelled UK to a 71-56 victory over the Dukes in the NCAA First Round inside Hope Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.
The Dukes (26-9) shot 38.2% (13-of-34) from the floor and committed just five turnovers in the second half, while limiting the Wildcats (24-10) to 32.1% (9-of-28) from the field and 23.1% (3-of-13) from three-point range over the final 20 minutes.
Peyton McDaniel wrapped up her historic career with 15 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. The Birdsboro, Pa. native leaves Harrisonburg with the third-most points in (2,325) and the fourth-most rebounds (1,025). Ashanti Barnes led the Dukes in scoring with 16 points to go with six boards and a pair of steals.
Freshman Grace McDonough posted nine points and six rebounds in her first NCAA Tournament appearance. Zakiya Stephenson finished with six points and three steals in the loss.
For Kentucky, Tonie Morgan led the way with 18 points, seven boards, and a game-high seven assists. Clara Strack produced a double-double of 14 rebounds and 10 points, while Amelia Haslett went 4-for-13 (.308) from behind the arc for 14 points. Jordan Obi chipped in with 12 points and five boards off the bench.
How It Happened
First Quarter – UK 32, JMU 10
- The Wildcats took a 12-6 lead at the opening media timeout, with Hassett accounting for eight of UK’s scoring total.
- Kentucky shot 11-of-18 (.611) from the field and scored 12 points off JMU turnovers.
Second Quarter – UK 43, JMU 18
- The Dukes hung tough in the second quarter, holding the Wildcats scoreless for 3:56 of action during a 6-0 JMU scoring spurt to trail 41-18 at the 2:51 mark.
- McDaniel chipped in with six points, while the Dukes limited UK to 4-of-17 (.235) from the floor.
- At the break, JMU was 0-for-7 from three and did not earn a trip to the free throw line.
Third Quarter – UK 56, JMU 36
- The Dukes turn the page in the third, going 7-for-17 (.412) from the field while forcing the Wildcats into seven giveaways to outscore Kentucky 18-13 in the frame.
Fourth Quarter – UK 71, JMU 56
- Barnes (9) and McDaniel (5) combined for 14 of the Dukes’ 20 fourth-quarter points
- The Dukes held UK with a made field goal for the final 3:38.
Game Notes
- James Madison moves to 8-14 (.363) all-time in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship.
- Kentucky’s 32 first-quarter points are the most given up by JMU this season.
- Stephenson registered her 10th game of the season with three or more steals.
