McDaniel's Stellar Outing Leads JMU Past George Mason

Sunday, December 6

Harrisonburg, Va.

2 p.m.

James Madison University

3-1,0-0CAA

George Mason

2-2,0-0Atlantic 10

George Mason

James Madison

12/6/2020 5:24:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score @JMUWBasketball Photo Gallery

HARRISONBURG, Va. – Freshman Peyton McDaniel dropped a season- and game-high 30 points to lead James Madison to a dominant 89-70 women's basketball non-conference win over George Mason on Sunday evening in the Atlantic Union Bank Center.

The Dukes (3-1) shot a season-high 53.7 percent (36-of-67) while holding the Patriots (2-2) to 36.6 percent (26-of-71) shooting from the field. Additionally, JMU controlled the pace of the game by putting up 22 fast break points to Mason's four.

McDaniel had a stellar night as she became the second freshman to score 30 points in regulation (Sue Manelski, 33, Dec. 11/12, 1981) and the third freshman to post 30-plus points in a game (Manelski, McDaniel and Dawn Evans, 38 at Indiana in OT on 3/22/08).

McDaniel shot an outstanding 63.2 percent (12-of-19) including a blistering 66.7 percent (6-of-9) from behind the arc. The freshman added six rebounds, two steals and an assist to her stat line. Sophomore Kiki Jefferson added 13 points, six rebounds and a career-high tying four assists.

How It Happened
The Dukes came out the gate firing in the first, knocking down four treys while shooting 58.8 percent (10-of-17) from the field and junior Nikki Oppenheimer cashed out a three-pointer at the buzzer to give JMU a 26-13 lead at the end of the first.

The second quarter was similar to the first with the Dukes outscoring Mason, 25-13 to hold a 51-28 lead at the break. George Mason tried to post a comeback in the second half but JMU would not let the Patriots get into a groove, as the Dukes held on to its first half lead for an 89-70 victory.

Quick Hits
- Freshman Jamia Hazell continued to shine as she posted her fourth double-digit performance with 13 points. Additionally, she dropped five assists which marks her season high
- With today's win, JMU is on a 19-game winning streak against the Patriots
- The Dukes shot a perfect 100 percent from the charity stripe, knocking down eight free throws. The last time JMU went perfect from the line was against Delaware State on Nov. 13, 2018, sinking nine free throws.

Up Next
JMU remains at home for a bout against George Washington on Wednesday. Tip is set 4 p.m. with the game televised live on NBC Sports Washington Plus.

Gallery: (12-6-2020) Dukes Cruise Past Patriots