James Madison Wins Sun Belt Tournament: NCAA Tournament Bound After 69-52 Victory Over Troy

James Madison Claims Second Sun Belt Championship Title in Women’s Basketball

PENSACOLA, Florida – The James Madison Dukes secured their second Sun Belt Conference Tournament championship on Monday, defeating the Troy Trojans 69-52 at the Pensacola Bay Center. Led by a dominant performance from Peyton McDaniel, who scored a game-high 28 points, the Dukes demonstrated both offensive firepower and defensive resilience to claim the title. This victory marks a significant achievement for James Madison, solidifying their position as a force within the Sun Belt Conference since joining the league in 2022. The Dukes’ success also extends their overall conference tournament championship count to eleven in program history.

The No. 4 seeded James Madison (26-8, 14-4 Sun Belt) quickly established control of the game, opening with a decisive 13-0 run in the first 2:30 of regulation. This early surge, fueled by contributions from multiple starters, left the No. 2 seeded Troy (25-7, 15-3 Sun Belt) struggling to find their rhythm. Even as the Trojans mounted a response to close the first half, trailing 34-30, they were unable to overcome the Dukes’ momentum. James Madison’s ability to capitalize on early opportunities and maintain a consistent offensive presence proved crucial to their victory. According to ESPN Analytics, James Madison led for 99% of the game.

McDaniel Leads the Charge, Barnes Delivers a Double-Double

Peyton McDaniel’s exceptional performance was the cornerstone of James Madison’s triumph. The Sun Belt Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player finished the game with 11 of 23 field goals, including 5 of 12 from beyond the arc, and added 10 rebounds and four assists to her impressive stat line. Her ability to score from multiple areas of the court and contribute across the board made her a constant threat for the Trojans. Ashanti Barnes also played a pivotal role, recording a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds, demonstrating her dominance in the paint and providing crucial support for McDaniel. Bree Robinson contributed 8 points to the winning effort.

The Dukes extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Trojans 24-14 with a 14-4 run to start the period. This surge, combined with an 8-0 run at the beginning of the fourth quarter, effectively sealed the victory for James Madison. The team’s ability to maintain offensive pressure and capitalize on Troy’s struggles proved decisive in securing the championship. James Madison’s field goal percentage was 40% (25-62), while Troy struggled at 30% (20-66). The Dukes also outperformed the Trojans in three-point shooting, 27% to 8%, and free throw shooting, 65% to 100%.

Troy’s Effort Falls Short Despite Ngnawo’s Performance

Despite the loss, Fortuna Ngnawo led Troy with 18 points and 12 rebounds. However, she was forced to depart the game late in the fourth quarter due to an injury, a significant blow to the Trojans’ chances. Emani Jenkins managed to make Troy’s first three-pointer of the game with 5:27 remaining, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback. The Trojans, seeking their fourth Sun Belt title, were unable to overcome James Madison’s consistent performance and strong offensive execution. Troy had previously won Sun Belt titles in 2021, 2017, and 2016.

The game also saw a disparity in rebounding, with James Madison securing 43 rebounds compared to Troy’s 42. Ashanti Barnes led the Dukes with 7 defensive and 5 offensive rebounds, while Fortuna Ngnawo led the Trojans with 6 defensive and 6 offensive rebounds. James Madison also forced 16 turnovers, compared to their own 10, contributing to their overall advantage. The Dukes’ ability to control the boards and capitalize on turnovers played a key role in their victory.

Looking Ahead: NCAA Tournament Berth for James Madison

With this victory, James Madison has earned an automatic berth into the 2026 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Dukes, who have won 12 consecutive games, will be making their 14th appearance in the tournament. The team will learn their seeding and opponent during the NCAA Selection Show on Sunday, March 15. This marks a significant milestone for the program and provides an opportunity to compete on a national stage. James Madison’s consistent performance throughout the season and their dominant run in the Sun Belt Tournament have positioned them as a team to watch in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

The Dukes’ journey to the championship was marked by a strong team effort and a commitment to both offensive and defensive excellence. Their ability to overcome challenges and maintain a consistent level of play throughout the season has earned them this well-deserved title. The program’s success is a testament to the dedication of the players, coaches, and staff, and it represents a bright future for James Madison women’s basketball.

The Dukes’ success story continues, and fans eagerly await the announcement of their NCAA Tournament matchup. The team’s performance throughout the season has demonstrated their potential for success, and they are poised to make a strong showing in the tournament. As they prepare for the next challenge, James Madison remains focused on their goals and committed to representing the Sun Belt Conference with pride.

Key Takeaways:

• James Madison secured their second Sun Belt Tournament championship since joining the conference in 2022.
• Peyton McDaniel was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player after scoring 28 points in the championship game.
• Ashanti Barnes contributed a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
• James Madison will compete in the 2026 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament.

The World Today Journal will continue to provide updates on James Madison’s journey through the NCAA Tournament. Stay tuned for further coverage as the Dukes compete for a national championship. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and reactions to this exciting victory in the comments below.