Dukes Cap Regular Season with Win Over Drexel

Sunday, February 28

Philadelphia, Pa.

1 p.m.

James Madison University

Drexel

2/28/2021 3:59:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score @JMUWBasketball

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison stepped up on defense in a tightly-contested physical matchup with Drexel to earn a 61-51 Colonial Athletic Association women's basketball win inside of the Daskalakis Athletic Center on Sunday evening.

The Dukes (13-9, 9-6 CAA) did not shoot that well from the field but cashed in from deep, sinking eight three-pointers on a 50 percent clip (8-of-16) while holding the Dragons (11-8, 8-6) to 28.8 percent (17-of-59) shooting on the day.

Freshman Claire Neff led the way for the Dukes as she poured in 17 points and a season-high nine rebounds, both of which were game highs. Neff added a season-high two steals and an assist to her stat line.

In her second game back from injury, freshman Peyton McDaniel followed behind with 11 points on 3-of-5 from distance (60 percent) to go along with a pair of rebounds, one assist, a steal and a rebound.

How It Happened
The Dukes started out the game on fire just like yesterday, sinking two quick threes to jump out to a 6-0 lead (8:22) before Keishana Washington went on a solo 8-0 run to give Drexel some momentum. Junior Brianna Tinsley made a layup as time expired in the first to give JMU a tight 21-18 lead after one.

In the second, JMU showcased how daunting its defense can be as the team held Drexel to 4-of-16 (25%) shooting in the frame including holding the Dragons scoreless over the last 4:39 of the quarter to take a 35-27 lead into the break.

The Dukes' second-quarter push was just enough wiggle room as the Dragons came within a bucket only once in the second half (38-36, 3:36, 3Q) but could not overcome the deficit as JMU ended the regular season with a win.

Quick Hits
- The regular-season finale win marks the 16th consecutive season the Dukes accomplished the feat dating back to 2004-05 season
- JMU tied its season-high by shooting 50% from deep (Elon, Feb. 6)
- The Dukes' bench came out to play as JMU's bench outscored Drexel's, 37-2

Up Next
The Dukes will now prepare for the CAA Tournament on March 10-13 hosted by Elon, as the team awaits their seeding. As of today, the Dukes are the No. 2 seed in the tournament, if that stands, JMU will play on Thursday, March 11 at 6 p.m. against the No. 7 seed.