Gwathmey's Double-Double Lifts JMU to 60-40 Win Over UNCW

Sunday, January 31

Harrisonburg, Va.

2 p.m.

James Madison University

14-5, 7-1CAA

UNCW

6-14, 2-7CAA

UNCW

JMU

Gwathmey's Double-Double Lifts JMU to 60-40 Win Over UNCW

1/31/2016 4:28:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

HARRISONBURG, Va. - James Madison women's basketball remains in first place of the Colonial Athletic Association after a 60-40 win over UNCW on Sunday afternoon at the Convocation Center. With their seventh straight win, the Dukes improved to 14-5 (7-1 CAA) while the Seahawks fell to 6-14 (2-7 CAA).

After a 0-for-8 stretch on the floor, JMU spread the ball around the floor to sink four of its next six attempts to push out to a strong lead. The Dukes solidified their lead for good in the second quarter, outscoring the Seahawks 19-5 as they allowed just two UNCW field goals in the second frame and held the Seahawks scoreless for the final 5:01 of the half.

JMU capitalized for 21 points off UNCW's 18 turnovers, compared to just five points for the Seahawks off turnovers. The Dukes turned the ball over just eight times in the contest, tied for a season low (8 vs. Davidson, Dec. 30).

Redshirt senior guard Jazmon Gwathmey led all scorers with 24 points, her seventh straight game with 20 or more points and 10th consecutive game in double-digit figures. Sophomore guard Hailee Barron added 14 points for her fourth straight game in double figures.

Freshman center Kayla Cooper-Williams continued her strong defensive performance with one block, moving into 12th on the all-time single-season record board with 39 total. She also posted 10 rebounds, her fifth double-figure rebound game of the season. For the fourth time this season, JMU had two Dukes in double-figure rebounds as Gwathmey pulled down a season-high tying 11 boards for her second double-double of the season.

This marks the 12th straight win at the Convo for James Madison and 36th straight appearance in front of 2,000 or more fans at the Convo.

JMU heads to Hofstra on Friday, Feb. 5, for a 7 p.m. tipoff with the Pride.

QUOTING HEAD COACH KENNY BROOKS (For full postgame click here)
"You're going to have some days like today and that's why we have a mantra of grind it out. Today was a workman like performance and we had to grind it out because we weren't shooting the ball as well."
Hear from the players in their postgame press conference here.

TWEET OF THE DAY

Having fun hosting Girls & Women in Sports Day w/the Morrison-Bruce Center pic.twitter.com/slmXKufLhf
— JMUSports (@JMUSports) January 31, 2016

NUMBERS OF NOTE

JMU outscored UNCW 21-5 off turnovers.
JMU turned the ball over just eight times, tying a season low.
At the half, JMU led by 20 points. It marked the sixth time this season the Dukes have taken a 20+ point lead into halftime.
Two Dukes pulled down double-figure rebounds for the fourth time this season.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Senior guard Angela Mickens kicks the pass back out to sophomore guard Hailee Barron to drain the 3 pointer.
For full highlights, click here.

STREAKING ON

Redshirt senior guard Jazmon Gwathmey has scored in double figures for 10 straight games and scored 20 or more points in seven straight games.
Sophomore guard Hailee Barron has scored in double figures in four straight games.
JMU has won 12 straight games at the Convo, which is tied for the sixth longest streak in facility history.
The Convo has boasted 2,000 or more fans for 26 straight home games.
The Dukes have won 11 consecutive games against the Seahawks.

AROUND THE LEAGUE
In the first four completed games of the day, all four home teams proved victorious. Hofstra defeated Elon 59-49, College of Charleston sank Towson 67-55 and William & Mary overame Northeastern 69-62.

UP NEXT
JMU kicks off a three-game road swing on Friday, Feb. 5, at Hofstra with a 7 p.m. tipoff. The Dukes and Pride last battled in the 2015 CAA Championship game, where the Dukes came away with a 62-56 win for the title and automatic berth in the NCAA tournament.