HARRISONBURG, Va. – Fresh off a Cancun Challenge championship run in Mexico, the James Madison Dukes return home to the Atlantic Union Bank Center, poised to continue their streak as they host the Buffalo Bulls on Wednesday, November 29, at 7:00 p.m.
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In addition to holding their place at #22 in the Associated Press Top 25, the Dukes also climbed to the #2 spot in the Mid-Major poll, earning 734 total points, the most in program history, and taking two first-place votes.
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Dukes' Cancun Conquest
- Last week, the Dukes (6-0) weren't just on the road; they were in another country, competing in the Cancun Challenge down in Mexico. Two wins against Southern Illinois and Fresno State earned them the Riviera Division Championship. This marked JMU's first appearance in the Cancun Challenge, and they seized the opportunity.
- Graduate forward
T.J. Bickerstaff emerged as the Tournament's MVP, showcasing consistent production and tenacity on the boards. Bickerstaff's performance in the three tournament games saw him scoring 54 points, and grabbing 20 rebounds, to go with 4 steals and 4 assists.
Noah Freidel reached a JMU career-high by leading the team with 26 points in the Championship over Fresno State, while shooting 70% from the field and hitting a team season-high six three-pointers.Â
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Player Milestones and Team Depth
 - Within this early-season success, several players reached significant milestones in Cancun.
Terrence Edwards Jr. surpassed 900Â career points, while Bickerstaff crossed 800 points, andÂ
Noah Freidel tallied his 1,200th career point south of the border. Coach
Mark Byington is also approaching his 200th career win (195).
- The Dukes' depth has been a critical factor, with five players averaging double figures in scoring - Bickerstaff, Edwards Jr., Freidel, Wooden, and Green III. The well-balanced attack allows Coach Byington to distribute consistent playing time among ten players, creating a formidable rotation.
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Scouting the Bulls
- The Buffalo Bulls (1-5), under first-year Head Coach George Halcovage III, face a tough challenge against the undefeated Dukes. Despite a victory over Division II Roberts Wesleyan, the Bulls have encountered difficulty, losing five games with a scoring differential of -77 in those losses. Senior Isaiah Adams returns as the leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 11.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.
- In their last outing, the Bulls fell short, suffering an 89-64 defeat to Iona.
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What's at Stake?
 - JMU has everything to lose as the #22 team in the nation, seeking to extend their unbeaten streak and solidify their position in the Mid-Major poll. The Bulls, at 1-5, have everything to gain, eyeing a potential upset and a chance to turn their season around.
- This clash is the last game of November for both teams, offering JMU a chance to set the stage for a promising December with a seven-game win streak.
- Don't miss the action at the Atlantic Union Bank Center as the Dukes aim to continue their historic run against the Bulls. Full game coverage is available via ESPN+ with Corey Spector and David Taylor, while Dave Riggert hosts the radio broadcast on 92.1 FM / 550 AM and the Varsity Network App.