Three-Point Barrage Carries JMU in CAA Quarterfinals

Thursday, March 11

Elon, N.C.

6 p.m.

James Madison University

Northeastern

3/11/2021 9:20:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score @JMUWBasketball

ELON, N.C. – No. 2 James Madison women's basketball could not be stopped as it led wire-to-wire defeating No. 7 Northeastern, 81-65 in the Colonial Athletic Association quarterfinals on Thursday night inside of the Schar Center.

The Dukes (14-9) made a season-high 15 three-pointers on a blistering 41.7% clip (15-of-36) while compiling a 45.9 field goal percentage (28-of-61) to advance to the semifinal on Friday night.

Sophomore Kiki Jefferson led the charge for the Dukes as she posted a game-high 23 points on a hot 6-of-8 from deep (75%) to go along with four rebounds and three assists. CAA Rookie of the Year Peyton McDaniel proved why she earned that title as she poured in 22 points, knocking down five treys with a pair of boards and a steal.

Junior Jaylin Carodine recorded a decent outing as she dropped 11 points on 57.1% shooting (4-of-7) with seven rebounds and a career- and game-high three steals. Freshman Jamia Hazell chipped in 10 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal on the night.

Mide Oriyomi and Kendall Currence led the way for the Huskies (7-13) as they each dropped 16 points.

How It Happened
JMU was on fire early, as the Dukes opened the game on a 7-0 run forcing Northeastern to call a timeout with 8:26 remaining in the first. That timeout only boosted JMU's confidence as the team scored 29 points on 54.5% shooting (12-of-22) to hold a comfortable 29-10 lead after 10 minutes.

In the second, the Huskies' suffocating defense got the best of the Dukes but JMU was able to hold on and go into the half with a 37-27 lead. Both teams balled out in the third as JMU posted 22 points in the quarter while Northeastern put up 21.

Heading into the fourth quarter with a 59-48 lead, JMU continued to fire from deep to limit any hopes of a comeback for the Huskies which was solidified by a corner three from Jefferson, with 2:54 remaining in the game to give the Dukes a 76-59 lead that it would not relinquish.

Quoting Coach O'Regan

Quick Hits
- JMU's 29 first-quarter points are the most in the first quarter this season and ties the most the Dukes have put up in any quarter this year
- The Dukes' 15 made three-pointers are the most since JMU made 16 against College of Charleston (16-40, Jan. 19, 2020)

Up Next
No. 2 James Madison will take on the winner of No. 3 Drexel/No. 6 Elon on Friday at 6 p.m. inside of the Schar Center. JMU split the season series with Drexel, while winning three of four against Elon this season.