No.2 JMU’s Title Runs Ends in Semifinals

Friday, March 12

Elon, N.C.

6 p.m.

James Madison University

14-10,9-6CAA

Drexel

13-8,8-6CAA

OT 1

Drexel

James Madison

3/12/2021 9:38:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score @JMUWBasketball

ELON, N.C. – No. 2 James Madison laid everything out on the floor against No. 3 Drexel but came up short and dropped a heartbreaking 79-76 overtime decision in the Colonial Athletic Association semifinals on Friday night inside of the Schar Center.

The Dukes (14-10) trailed the Dragons (13-8) by nine heading into the fourth quarter but eventually brought the deficit to four (57-61, 4:12) at the media timeout. That's when First Team All-CAA selection Kiki Jefferson stepped up to outscore Drexel 8-4 including sinking the game-tying layup with 19 seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.

Drexel began the extra period with great energy as it made its first two shots to create a five-point gap (65-70, 3:50). JMU stuck with the Dragons with Jefferson making a stepback three-pointer for her career-high 31st point of the night to bring the Dukes within two (74-76, 36 seconds).

On the ensuing possession the dukes fouled Keishana Washington who made one of two free throws to give the Dukes one last chance. Junior Jaylin Carodine drew a foul with 2.6 seconds remaining and made both free throws to trail by one at 76-77. JMU once again fouled but Washington cashed in both free throws to give her a game-high 35 points that solidified the win for the Dragons.

Jefferson added a game-best 11 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block to her stat line. Carodine nearly secured a double-double in 10 points and eight rebounds while junior Briana Tinsley scored 10 points with three rebounds, a pair of assists, a steal and a block.

Quoting Coach O'Regan
"This is a heartbreaker for me, personally and I know the team feels the same," head coach Sean O'Regan said. "I thought we gave our whole heart in the game. I love this team all the way through. I believe they gave everything; we just didn't have enough tonight and Drexel did."

Quick Hits
- Jefferson's 31 points marks the most by a Duke this season and the second 30-plus outing by a JMU player this season (Peyton McDaniel, 30 points vs. George Mason, 12/6/20)
- Jefferson made 10 free throws on the night, marking her fourth time this season accomplishing that feat