HATTIESBURG, Miss. — James Madison pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat Southern Miss 83-72 Wednesday night at Reed Green Coliseum. The Dukes (17-8, 9-4 Sun Belt) scored the final 11 points of the game, sealing the victory, according to game officials.
James Madison was led by Peyton McDaniel, who scored 24 points and was one of four Dukes in double figures. Jakayla Johnson led Southern Miss (12-11, 5-7 Sun Belt) with 22 points. Redshirt freshman Whitney Hart added a career-high 17 points and 10 rebounds for her second career double-double, officials said.
McDaniel opened the scoring for JMU in less than three seconds, ensuring the Dukes never trailed. Johnson tied the game for the first time at the free-throw line early in the game. Hart’s basket brought the Lady Eagles even again before JMU responded with an 11-0 run. Southern Miss closed the quarter trailing 18-13.
JMU continued its momentum into the second quarter, extending its lead to as much as 17 points before Southern Miss fought back. Hayleigh Breland sparked a 7-0 run to cut the margin to 12. Southern Miss trailed 39-26 at halftime, with McDaniel leading all scorers at the break with 12 points, according to officials.
In the second half, Southern Miss trimmed the lead to six points late in the third quarter. Johnson scored her 20th point of the night during an 11-0 run for the Lady Eagles, who outscored JMU 46-44 in the second half and shot 66.7% in the final two quarters, officials noted.
The Dukes outperformed Southern Miss in fast-break scoring (18-5) and in the paint (52-40). They also grabbed 44 rebounds, including 20 on the offensive glass, and assisted on 21 of 36 baskets, according to game statistics.
Southern Miss will travel to Toledo, Ohio, for the next game against the Toledo Rockets as part of the MAC-SBC Challenge. The Lady Eagles are seeking their first road win in the challenge this season.
Supporters can purchase season tickets for $75 at smttt.info/WBBTix. Updates are available on the team’s social media pages and at SouthernMiss.com.
