WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Sophomore forward
Annalicia Goodman's lay-up with 19.5 seconds remaining in regulation proved to be the difference as James Madison held off a late comeback by UNCW to earn a 57-56 Colonial Athletic Association women's basketball victory over the Seahawks at Trask Coliseum on Friday afternoon.
The Dukes, who ended a brief two-game losing streak, improved to 7-9 overall and 3-2 in the CAA. UNCW, playing its first game in 12 days, dropped to 3-10 overall and 0-3 in the circuit.
Goodman was one of two Dukes to score in double figures after making 6-of-9 shots from the field in a 12-point performance. Junior guard
Kiki Jefferson netted a game-high 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the floor, including a 2-for-3 effort from long range, while grabbing eight rebounds.
UNCW was paced by redshirt senior forward
Micah Hoggatt, who tallied her second double-double of the season with 13 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Graduate student
Sierra DaCosta added 13 points, while senior guard
Rinnah Green chipped in nine points with five assists.
Key Moment: After the Seahawks took a 56-55 lead with 3:01 remaining, Goodman gave James Madison the one-point edge when she connected on a lay-up off a feed from sophomore guard
Jamia Hazell. UNCW had a chance to retake the lead, but DaCosta's lay-up with two seconds left missed the mark and the Dukes held on for the win.
Game Notes:
- James Madison has won five straight games in the series and now leads the series by a 68-10 margin … The Dukes, who are joining the Sun Belt Conference, made their final appearance at Trask Coliseum as a CAA member.
- Hoggatt authored her sixth double-digit scoring effort, including her third in the last four games … She also posted her third double-digit rebound game of the year.
- DaCosta, who scored in double figures for the third straight game, has 11 double-digit efforts in 13 games.
- Freshman guard Jayde Gamble made the first start of her college career against the Dukes … The Holly Springs, N.C., product scored two points and dished out three assists in 16 minutes.
- The Seahawks and Dukes combined to shoot just 5-for-8 from the free throw line … UNCW was 1-of-2, while James Madison converted four of its six tries.
- Green played a career-high 35 minutes … Her five assists were also a career high.
- There were three ties and seven lead changes … In addition, each team posted a 10-point run during the game.
Up Next: UNCW continues its three-game homestand on Sunday, Jan. 23, when the Seahawks welcome Towson to Trask Coliseum for a 1 p.m. tip-off.
