James Madison’s resilience was on full display Saturday, overcoming a double-digit deficit to secure a crucial 78-74 road victory over Arkansas State. This win isn’t just about adding another tally to the Dukes’ record; it’s a statement about their ability to perform under pressure and a potential turning point in their Sun Belt Conference campaign. After a rocky start to conference play, JMU needed a win like this to regain momentum and demonstrate their potential as a contender.
- Davis Delivers: Cliff Davis’s season-high 24 points, capped by a clutch three-pointer, proved to be the difference maker.
- Second-Half Surge: JMU’s ability to respond to Arkansas State’s early second-half run with a 14-0 counter-attack showcased their offensive firepower and defensive adjustments.
- Sun Belt Significance: This victory moves JMU to 1-2 in conference play, positioning them to build upon this momentum as they return home.
The Dukes, now 8-7 overall and 1-2 in the Sun Belt, faced a determined Arkansas State team (10-5, 2-1) that came out firing. Falling behind by as many as 10 points early, JMU demonstrated a composure that has been developing under Coach Louis Rowe. The first half saw a back-and-forth battle, with JMU utilizing a strong finish to take a 39-34 lead into the break. This is particularly noteworthy given Coach Rowe’s impressive 22-9 record when the Dukes lead at halftime.
However, Arkansas State responded emphatically after the intermission, opening with a 14-1 run to seize the lead. This is where the Dukes’ character was truly tested. Instead of folding, they answered with a run of their own, a 14-0 burst that flipped the script and put them back in front. This resilience, coupled with the consistent scoring of Justin McBride (21 points) and Gabe Newhof (15 points), proved too much for the Red Wolves to handle. The debut of Ike Cornish, though limited to eight minutes, also signals increasing depth for the Dukes as the season progresses. Kose Egbule’s season-high 18 minutes and +18 rating off the bench also provided a valuable spark.
The Forward Look
JMU’s upcoming home stand against Marshall and Old Dominion presents a golden opportunity to capitalize on this road win. These games, both streaming on ESPN+, will be critical for establishing a stronger foothold in the Sun Belt standings. The Dukes’ ability to consistently replicate the offensive efficiency they displayed against Arkansas State (27-of-52 from the floor) will be paramount. More importantly, Coach Rowe will need to ensure the team maintains this level of composure and resilience, especially when facing adversity on the road. The emergence of players like Cornish and Egbule as reliable contributors will also be key to JMU’s success as they navigate the challenges of conference play. Expect a focused effort in the coming weeks as the Dukes aim to build a winning streak and solidify their position as a force to be reckoned with in the Sun Belt Conference.
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