JMU Women’s Basketball Drops a 65-59 Overtime Decision at William & Mary in CAA Opener

James Madison women’s basketball dropped a 65-59 overtime decision at William & Mary in Sunday’s Colonial Athletic Association opener. The Dukes fell to 7-5 on the season while the Tribe improved to 10-2.

The Dukes led by four with a minute left, but the Tribe was able to advance the ball to the front court on a called timeout and picked up a quick field goal to cut the lead to two (55-53). JMU was unable to convert its next possession and a pair of free throws by William & Mary’s Marlena Tremba tied the game at 55-all with five seconds remaining in regulation.

After calling a timeout of its own, JMU also advanced the ball to its front court. An off-balance jumper would not fall for the Dukes, sending the game to extra time which the Tribe opened on a 7-0 run. The Dukes cut it to a four-point lead (63-59), but another pair of Tremba free throws sealed the game.

Redshirt senior guard Jazmon Gwathmey led all scorers with 18 points, adding in 11 rebounds for her first double-double of the season. She was joined in double figures by senior guard Ashley Perez with 15 points. As a team, JMU shot 26.3 percent (20-76) while William & Mary finished at 30.3-percent shooting (20-66).

Junior forward Da’Lishia Griffin snagged a career-high 20 rebounds in the contest, tying the fourth-highest single-game total in JMU history. The Dukes won the battle of the boards 60-49, converting that into an 18-5 advantage in second-chance points.

The Dukes continue league play on Friday, Jan. 8, with a 7 p.m. tipoff at home against College of Charleston. JMU is hosting “Hometown Favorites” night, which allows those residents of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County general admission for $5 with proof residency. Local residents 12 years old and younger are free.