Edwards, Dukes Grab First Place After Hofstra Sweep

Sunday, February 14

Harrisonburg, Va.

2 p.m.

James Madison University

13-5,8-1CAA

Hofstra

12-9,8-6CAA

Hofstra

James Madison

2/14/2021 7:03:00 PM | Men's Basketball

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HARRISONBURG, Va. - James Madison ramped up its defensive effort in the first half on Sunday afternoon at the Atlantic Union Bank Center, then held off a Hofstra charge on its way to a 74-70 victory that propelled the Dukes into first place in the Colonial Athletic Association men's basketball standings.

The Dukes (13-5, 8-1 CAA) pushed themselves to the top of the league with a swarming first half that saw them hold the powerful Pride (12-9, 8-6 CAA) offense to just 8-of-28 (28.6%) shooting from the floor and just three three-pointers after Hofstra sank 17 the previous afternoon.

After taking a 32-22 advantage into the break, JMU never pushed the lead to more than a dozen in the second half and held off multiple Hofstra runs without allowing the Pride closer than four points at any time.

Freshman guard Terrence Edwards continued his stellar play off the bench to power the Dukes, racking up 15 points and eight boards - setting and matching his collegiate high, respectively - while adding four assists and a steal across 25 minutes with only one turnover.

Junior guard Vado Morse provided his own spark with 16 points and a career-best seven rebounds, a performance that included 14 points in the second half after senior guard Matt Lewis went down with an injury. Sophomore forward Michael Christmas chipped in 12 points and six boards in the effort.

All told, the Dukes' depth proved the difference, with JMU racking up a 36-8 advantage in bench points after winning that battle by a 37-14 margin on Saturday afternoon.

Jalen Ray paced Hofstra again, racking up 25 points, while Kvonn Cramer notched a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds in 30 minutes.

QUOTING COACH BYINGTON
"The first thing is that I'm extremely proud of these guys. It was a difficult circumstance to do that without the player of the year in the league. For different guys to step up and make plays and be ready when their number is called - I'm just really proud of them. Terrence Edwards and our bench both had tremendous weekends. Guys are just always ready to play."

QUICK HITS
- The Dukes' bench outscored Hofstra's 73-22 across the two contests, including a massive 61-8 gap from halftime on Saturday through the end of Sunday's contest.
- Before his injury, senior Matt Lewis was 2-2 from the free throw line, making him the program record holder in free throws attempted at 654, passing the 652 of JMU career scoring leader Steve Stielper (1976-80).
- Freshman Terrence Edwards led the Dukes in rebounding for the sixth time, the most of any player on the roster.

CAA STANDINGS
1. James Madison | 13-5, 8-1 CAA
2. Northeastern | 9-7, 8-2
3. College of Charleston | 8-9, 6-4
4. Hofstra | 12-9, 8-6
5. Delaware | 7-7, 5-4
6. William & Mary | 6-7, 4-4
7. Drexel | 8-7, 3-5
8. Towson | 4-13, 3-9
9. UNCW | 7-8, 1-5
10. Elon | 4-8, 1-7

UP NEXT
The Dukes are next scheduled to be back on the court on Saturday, Feb. 27, when Drexel is slated to travel to Harrisonburg for the final regular-season weekend. The Dragons, who were idle this weekend, are currently 8-7 (3-5 CAA) with a two-game series against Towson coming on Feb. 20-21.