Explosive Second Half Leads JMU to 85-62 Win Over Northeastern

Sunday, January 17

Harrisonburg, Va.

2 p.m.

James Madison University

11-5, 4-1CAA

Northeastern

7-9, 2-3CAA

Northeastern

JMU

Explosive Second Half Leads JMU to 85-62 Win Over Northeastern

1/17/2016 4:30:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison women's basketball trailed Northeastern 35-31 going into halftime, but used a 33-point third quarter to take the lead for good as the Dukes defeated the Huskies 85-62 at the JMU Convocation Center in a conference battle Sunday afternoon. The Dukes pushed their record to 11-5 (4-1 CAA) while the Huskies fell to 7-9 (2-3 CAA).

The Dukes now have 10 straight wins at home and a 9-0 record at home against the Huskies.

Trailing by 12 in the second quarter, sophomore guard Hailee Barron came up with back-to-back offensive boards before draining the 3-pointer from the left side, sparking a 10-0 run to cut the Northeastern lead to a single possession. Five straight NU points from the free-throw line pushed it back to a three-possession game, but Barron came up with a big shot from range in the final minute to cut the deficit to four points (35-31).

While the Huskies opened the third-quarter scoring, JMU pulled together a 9-2 run to take the lead for the first time since the 6:46 mark of the opening frame, capped by a 3-pointer from freshman forward Savannah Felgemacher. NU countered with a jumper from Jess Genco to retake the lead.

After freshman forward Kayla Cooper-Williams missed a pair of free throws, the Dukes pulled down the offensive board, getting another shot at the hoop. An Angela Mickens jumper was off line, but Cooper-Williams pulled down her 11^th board and went to the line, sinking both shots to put JMU ahead for good. The pair of makes started a 22-5 run, pushing the Dukes to a double-digit lead they would never relinquish.

Redshirt senior guard Jazmon Gwathmey contributed a game-high 29 points for her seventh straight game in double figures and fourth straight game with 20 or more points. Cooper-Williams led the Dukes with 15 rebounds for her third straight game with 15 or more boards, and paired them with a career-high six blocks, tying a Convocation Center record.

Barron tied career highs in both points (11) and rebounds (4). Mickens tied her career high with 20 points and added seven assists, moving her into fourth on the all-time career assist list with 562. Felgemacher added 10 points, helping the Dukes seal the win.

JMU finished the game shooting 46.4 percent, aided by a 59.4 percent from the floor in the second half, while Northeastern shot 38.5 percent for the game. The Dukes outrebounded the Huskies 47-25, including a 22-8 edge on the offensive glass, which was converted into a 25-6 advantage in second-chance points.

The Dukes take the court again on Friday, Jan. 22, at Towson for a 7 p.m. tipoff. The Tigers are coming off a 69-64 overtime loss against the Blue Hens.

QUOTING HEAD COACH KENNY BROOKS (Full postgame here)
"It took a collective effort from everyone and that's why I'm proud of this team and proud of this particular win."
Hear from the players in their postgame press conference here.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

For full gallery click here.

RECORD KEEPING

Freshman center Kayla Cooper-Williams made a career-high six blocks, tying the Convocation Center record for a single game, and has made 31 blocks this season. The freshman record is 37, set by Hallee Franklin in 1999.
Sophomore guard Hailee Barron tied her career highs in both points (11) and rebounds (4).
Senior point guard Angela Mickens tied her career high with 20 points.

TWEET OF THE DAY

Great win for @JMUWBasketball! Glad we won the auction by the @JMUMetroDukes to sit with the Alger family! #GoDukes pic.twitter.com/KmT8pUZAIA
— JMU Jamie (@JMUJamie) January 17, 2016

STREAKS-A-PLENTY

JMU has its longest win streak of the season at four games.
JMU has won 10 straight games at home.
The Convo has played host to at least 2,000 fans for 35 consecutive games.
The Dukes have won nine straight games against the Huskies at home (9-0).
Redshirt senior guard Jazmon Gwathmey has scored in double figures for seven straight games, including four straight of 20+ points.
Freshman center Kayla Cooper-Williams pulled down 15 rebounds, marking her third consecutive game with 15 or more boards.

PLAY OF THE GAME

For full highlights click here.

BY THE NUMBERS

JMU trailed by as many as 12 points, marking this as the 20th double-digit comeback victory under Head Coach Kenny Brooks.
Freshman forward Savannah Felgemacher scored in double figures (10) for the first time since scoring 10 points against Morgan State.
Senior point guard Angela Mickens pushed her career assist total to 562, passing Flo Jackson for fourth all-time. Third place is held by Dawn Eans at 564 career assists.
JMU earned a 25-6 advantage in second-chance points and a 14-2 advantage in fast-break points.

UP NEXT
JMU hits the road for a pair of CAA contests, beginning with a trip to Towson on Friday, Jan. 22, for a 7 p.m. tip. The Dukes then head south for a game at College of Charleston on Sunday, Jan. 24, with a 2 p.m. start.