HARRISONBURG, Va. - James Madison jumped out to a 17-2 lead to start the game and claimed a 67-35 win over the Tigers on Sunday afternoon in Colonial Athletic Association play. Katrina Wheeler posted her first "double-double" of the season to lead the Tigers (9-11, 3-6 CAA).
"I thought James Madison came to play today and we didn't," said Coach Joe Mathews. "I'm concerned with our missed shots today and we need to address that."
James Madison opened the game on an 11-0 run and extended its advantage to 17-2 with 11:38 to play. Lauren Jimenez had six points for the Dukes in the opening run. Five straight points from Shanae Baker-Brice made it a 17-7 game with 9:40 to play in the half. The Tigers would score five of the next nine points to cut the Dukes' lead to 21-12 with 5:13 to go. The Dukes would close the half on a 13-3 run to take a 34-15 lead at the half.
James Madison started the second half on a 6-4 run and held a 40-19 advantage with 17:54 to play. The two teams traded baskets with a Kiara Francisco lay-up at 11:37 making it a 51-23 game. A Baker-Brice jumper at 10:36 made it a 51-25 game. The Dukes would outscore the Tigers 16-10 over the final ten minutes of the game to seal the victory.
Wheeler finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds for her first "double-double" of the year and the 11th of her Tiger career. Wheeler would also add two blocks and two steals in the game. Baker-Brice finished with 13 points and seven rebounds.
Kanita Shepherd finished with a "double-double" as she posted a career-high 15 points and 10 rebounds. Dawn Evans finished with 14 points and nine assists while Nikki Newman pulled down a career-high 10 rebounds.
Towson returns home to begin a three-game home stand when it hosts Drexel on February 4 at 7 p.m.
-- TIGERS --
