JMU's WNIT Run Ends in Semifinals
HARRISONBURG, Va. (April 3, 2019) – James Madison’s run in the WNIT came to an end in the semifinals after a 74-69 defeat to Northwestern at the Convocation Center.
James Madison (29-6) fell behind, 19-11, after the first quarter, and never led in the game. The Dukes could not complete the comeback despite closing the deficit to as few as three points twice in the game, including after three Kamiah Smalls free throws with 4.9 seconds to play brought JMU within 72-69.
After narrowly missing out on forcing a turnover on Northwestern’s subsequent possession, the Dukes were forced to foul, where the Wildcats hit two free throws to seal the game.
Jackie Benitez led the Dukes with 18 points, going 6-of-13 from the field. Aside from Benitez, James Madison shot 29.8-percent (17-for-57) in the game. Kayla Cooper-Williams chipped in 15 rebounds; the CAA Defensive Player of the Year added one block, ending the season fourth on the CAA career blocks list with 241.
Smalls finished with 15 points, going 9-of-9 from the free-throw line, while Aneah Young added 10 points for the Dukes.
All five Northwestern starters finished in double figures, led by Lindsey Pulliam’s 16 points.
Playing in the WNIT semifinals for the first time since 2012, James Madison saw its home-court winning streak snapped at 31 games. The streak was the third-longest active streak in the NCAA and second-longest run in program history.
The Dukes’ 29 wins this season matched the program record.