HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – Ashanti Barnes (19 points, 14 rebounds) and Grace McDonough (13 points, 10 rebounds) posted double-doubles as James Madison cruised past Old Dominion, 77-55, on Wednesday evening in Sun Belt Conference women’s basketball action at the Atlantic Union Bank Center.
The Dukes (22-8, 13-4 Sun Belt) tied their season high in points in the paint (52) and limited the Monarchs (17-13, 8-9 Sun Belt) to 34.3% (12-of-35) from the field in the second half as JMU picked up its eighth consecutive win, and 18th straight over a conference opponent at home.
In addition to her double-double effort, Barnes recorded three assists, three steals, and a block. McDonough’s double-double was the first of her career, becoming the first freshman to record a double-double since Kiki Jefferson had 21 points and 12 rebounds at College of Charleston on Jan. 19, 2020.
McDaniel finished with 19 points on 9-of-15 (.600) from the field and pulled down six boards. Bree Robinson produced 15 points and a pair of steals, while Zakiya Stephenson posted seven points and five assists in the win.
For ODU, Simar Fields was the lone Monarch in double figures, recording 14 points on 5-of-15 (.333) from the floor. Riley Stack notched an eight-point, eight-rebound performance to go with a game-best four blocks.
How It Happened
First Quarter – JMU 20, ODU 13
• After a quick 4-0 start for the Monarchs, the Dukes turned up the heat, with Robinson hitting a three-pointer with four seconds remaining to put JMU ahead 20-13.
• McDaniel scored seven points on a perfect 3-for-3 from the field in the opening frame.
Second Quarter – JMU 40, ODU 27
• McDonough (6), Barnes (5), and Stephenson (5) combined for 16 points, while the Dukes outrebounded the Monarchs 16-10.
• Thompson scored back-to-back field goals to close the half to cut the deficit to 13 (40-27).
Third Quarter – JMU 61, ODU 43
• The Dukes scored four of their last five baskets to make it a 17-point game (50-33) at the 6:12 mark, with six points from Robinson.
• Barnes (6), McDaniel (6), and Robinson (6) scored 18 of JMU’s 21 third-quarter points.
Fourth Quarter – JMU 77, ODU 55
• JMU connected on four of its last five, while Barnes finished with six points and four boards in the fourth.
• ODU was held to 4-of-14 (.286) from the field, hitting just one of its last seven.
Game Notes
• James Madison held an advantage in points in the paint (52-34), second-chance points (21-14), points off turnovers (19-6), and fast-break points (15-1). However, Old Dominion dominated in bench points, 32-4.
• JMU finished with just nine turnovers, its fourth game this season with single digits in the category.
• The Dukes won despite going just 2-for-9 (.222) from three-point range – their first win with two or fewer makes from three since knocking down 2-of-7 (.286) in a 66-53 victory over Old Dominion on Feb. 15, 2025.
— JMU Athletics —
