Dukes Roll to 73-47 Win Over Richmond

Sunday, December 13

Richmond, Va.

2 p.m.

James Madison University

6-2

Richmond

6-3

James Madison

Richmond

12/13/2015 4:19:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

RICHMOND, Va. – James Madison women's basketball won its 20th consecutive game over in-state rivals with a 73-47 victory at Richmond on Sunday afternoon.

The Dukes (6-2) never trailed the Spiders (6-3), taking the lead for good on a made 3-pointer from junior forward Da'Lishia Griffin just 3:47 into the game as part of a 5-of-5 showing from range to open the contest. They pushed out to a double-digit lead heading into halftime when redshirt senior guard Jazmon Gwathmey drained a 3-pointer to close out the second quarter shooting 63.6 percent from beyond the arc.

Gwathmey led all scorers with 24 points, sinking a career-high four 3-pointers (4-of-6), and senior guard Ashley Perez joined her in double digits with 15 points. Senior point guard Angela Mickens became just the sixth Duke in program history to eclipse 500 career assists, dishing out 10 in the ninth double-digit assist performance of her career.

As a team, the Dukes shot 41.3 percent on the afternoon while limiting the Spiders to 34.1 percent from the field, including a 12.5-percent mark (1-8) from 3-point range. JMU outrebounded UR 48-26 overall and 17-3 on offense, converting that edge to a 12-2 advantage in second-chance points.

JMU heads south for the first neutral-site games of the year with the Florida Sunshine Classic in Winter Park, Fla. The Dukes will face West Virginia (Dec. 20) and No. 4 Baylor (Dec. 21) in the tournament.

QUOTING HEAD COACH KENNY BROOKS
"We inserted Destiny Jones into the rotation, which was a much needed surprise. She balanced us out with her experience, which will help the freshmen and younger players come along at a slower pace. I thought we were very effective tonight by spreading the ball around and getting people shots."
For full postgame interview click here.

BACK IN ACTION
Senior forward Destiny Jones saw her first action of the 2015-16 season, coming off the bench in the first quarter. She tallied the first bucket of her final campaign halfway through the second quarter, laying in a pass from freshman guard Logan Reynolds. Jones finished with seven points (3-for-4) and three rebounds over 18 minutes.

GETTING IN THE GAME
The Dukes used their fourth different starting lineup of the year, giving the nod to Perez, Gwathmey, Mickens, Griffin and freshman forward Savannah Felgemacher.

CONTROLLING THE COMMONWEALTH
JMU has won 20 consecutive games against in-state rivals, dating back to an 82-52 win over William & Mary on Jan. 17, 2013.

TWEET OF THE GAME

.@JMUWBasketball's Gwathmey already scorching from deep, drains her 1st 3 attempts from beyond the arch for 9 pts. Lead 15-9 over UR. @8NEWS
— Chip Brierre (@Chip8News) December 13, 2015

UP NEXT
JMU heads to the sunshine state for the Florida Sunshine Classic in Winter Park, Fla., Dec. 20-21. The Dukes take on West Virginia on Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. before facing No. 4 Baylor on Dec. 21 at 5 p.m.