HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – Ashanti Barnes saved her best for her final home game, tying her career high of 29 points with 16 rebounds to help lead James Madison women’s basketball to a 72-56 wire-to-wire victory over Coastal Carolina on Senior Day to wrap up Sun Belt Conference play.
The Dukes (23-8, 14-4 Sun Belt) made it a 13-0 game in the opening minutes and owned a 43-18 lead at halftime as they limited the Chanticleers (14-17, 7-11 Sun Belt) to 18.5% (5-of-27) in the first half.
Barnes’ career day included connecting on 13-of-20 (.650) from the field, dishing out five assists, and coming away with three steals. Fellow classmate Peyton McDaniel finished with 13 rebounds and nine points, while Regina Walton grabbed two boards.
Bree Robinson knocked down 3-of-8 (.375) from three-point range for 18 points with five points and a pair of steals. Starters Zakiya Stephenson and Grace McDonough scored seven and five points, respectively, in the win.
Tracey Hueston led all scorers with 30 points, sinking 11-of-14 (.786) from the free throw line after drawing 12 fouls. Kinsea Grimes chipped in with 16 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. Starting point guard Kristin Williams wrangled in 10 rebounds but was held without a made field goal (0-for-10) in the loss.
How It Happened
First Quarter – JMU 17, CCU 7
• The Dukes jumped out to a 13-0 lead before Coastal Carolina responded with a 6-0 run near the midpoint of the opening frame.
• The Chanticleers failed to make a field goal for the final 3:58 as JMU held on to a 17-7 advantage after one.
Second Quarter – JMU 43, CCU 18
• Barnes dominated the second, outscoring Coastal 14-11 as the Dukes held CCU to 3-of-14 (.214) from the floor.
• At the intermission, Barnes had tallied 18 points and 11 rebounds, compared to 18 points and 13 rebounds combined for the Chanticleers.
Third Quarter – JMU 63, CCU 40
• Robinson hit 2-of-3 from behind the arc for eight points
• Hueston scored 10 of Coastal Carolina’s 22 third-quarter points to chip away at the deficit.
Fourth Quarter – JMU 72, CCU 56
• JMU shot 3-of-17 (.176) from the floor and 0-for-7 from three.
• Down 65-42, the Chanticleers went on a 9-0 run in a 4:05 stretch to trim the Dukes’ advantage.
• Hueston and Grimes combined for 14 points on 4-of-14 (.288) to close the game.
Game Notes
• James Madison has won nine straight games overall, nine straight at home, and eight straight against Sun Belt foes.
• Additionally, the Dukes have won 19 consecutive home games against league opponents since falling to Georgia State, 73-62, on Feb. 15, 2024.
• Barnes’ performances marked her 18th career double-double and 10th game with 20-plus points.
• Head Coach improves to 9-1 all-time in Senior Day games.
• The Dukes led by as much as 28 (48-20) with 7:20 left in the third.
— JMU Athletics —
