Dukes Welcome VCU for Home Showdown

Bassyonni

ago 49 minutes

James Madison University (JMU) women’s basketball team is set to host Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) on Sunday, December 7. The game will take place at the Atlantic Union Bank Center and is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Fans can catch the live stream on ESPN+.

Recent Matchup Analysis

The previous encounter between JMU and VCU occurred on December 5, 2024. In that game, JMU triumphed with a score of 55-42. The Dukes showcased a strong defense, limiting VCU to just 24.6 percent shooting (15-of-61). Key performers included Ro Scott, who scored 16 points off the bench, and Peyton McDaniel, who contributed a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Head Coach Sean O’Regan’s Record

Since taking the helm in the 2016-17 season, Coach Sean O’Regan has led JMU to an impressive 42-6 record against Virginia-based Division I teams. This season, the Dukes have a 2-1 record against fellow Commonwealth teams. Notable victories include a 74-61 win over Liberty on November 12 and a 65-56 win against Virginia Tech on November 23. However, they faced a setback against George Mason, losing 72-57 on November 6.

NCAA Rankings

As of December 4, JMU ranks highly in several NCAA categories:

Rebounds per game: 31st (43.30)
Defensive rebounds per game: 36th (29.6)
Blocks per game: 47th (4.7)

Peyton McDaniel stands out individually, ranking in multiple categories, including:

Tied for 4th in field goal attempts (161)
9th in total points (206)
21st in points per game (20.6)

Home Court Advantage

The Dukes enjoyed a fantastic home record of 16-2 at the Atlantic Union Bank Center during the 2024-25 season. This marked the second consecutive year of at least a dozen home wins. Over the past few seasons, JMU has established a strong presence at home, with a 59-22 (.728) record since the venue opened in 2020.

Non-Conference Schedule Overview

JMU’s non-conference schedule features four teams that participated in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, including George Mason and Liberty. Several opponents ended the prior season ranked in the top 50 based on the final NET rankings.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the upcoming 2025-26 JMU Women’s Basketball season are available for purchase. Fans can find options for both season tickets and individual games.

Parking Details

For those attending the game, parking options include:

Reserved Parking: Reserved parking pass holders should enter through the North Entrance of the Ballard Parking Deck, available two hours before tip-off.
General Parking: Located in adjacent surface lots and the South Entrance of the Ballard Parking Deck, free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis starting two hours before the game.