HARRISONBURG, Va. (Interstat) — James Madison used a dominant performance in the paint to defeat VCU 81-63 in a women’s nonconference basketball game Sunday at JMU Convocation Center. The Dukes (8-3) outscored the Rams 48-26 inside and closed the game on a 21-8 run in the fourth quarter. Ashanti Barnes led James Madison with 18 points and nine rebounds. Peyton McDaniel added a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Patricia Augustin and Cyriah Griffin each scored 14 points for VCU (3-6), which kept pace for three quarters before its offense stalled late. The Rams shot just 8 points in the final period. Attendance was 2,170.

HARRISONBURG, Va. (Interstat) — A surging James Madison women’s basketball team looks to continue its strong start when it hosts a struggling VCU squad on Sunday at the JMU Convocation Center. The Dukes (7-3) enter the nonconference matchup having won five of their last six games, including an 83-66 road victory at East Carolina on Wednesday. They are 4-0 at home this season. VCU (3-5) seeks to halt a three-game skid, most recently a 62-70 loss at La Salle on Wednesday. The Rams have yet to win a true road game this season (0-4). James Madison is powered by guard Peyton McDaniel, who has been on a scoring tear. She is averaging 20.1 points per game and has scored 19 or more points in six consecutive contests, including a 28-point performance in a win at Wisconsin and a 22-point outing against East Carolina. “Peyton is playing with tremendous confidence on both ends,” James Madison coach Sean O’Regan said. “Her leadership has been key for us during this stretch.” The Rams will counter with guard Ty Williams, who has been a bright spot during their recent slide. She led VCU with 14 points in the loss to La Salle and is averaging 10.0 points over her last three games. “Ty has shown she can create and score for us,” VCU coach Beth O’Boyle said. “We need that consistency, especially in a tough environment like JMU.” The Dukes’ offense has been efficient during their hot streak, averaging 73.8 points in their last five wins. VCU’s defense, which allowed an average of 69.5 points during its three-game losing streak, will be tested. James Madison holds a distinct experience and momentum advantage. Beyond McDaniel, the Dukes feature consistent contributors in center Brianna McLeod, who had five blocks against East Carolina, and guard Bree Robinson, who logged 40 minutes and six assists in that game. VCU will need more offensive production beyond Williams. Cyriah Griffin (16 points vs. La Salle) and Ann Zachariah have shown flashes, but the Rams have been held under 66 points in four of their five losses. History adds another layer, as this intrastate rivalry often produces tightly contested games. The Dukes will aim to use their home court and current form to gain an early edge, while the Rams are desperate for a signature road win to stabilize their season. Tip-off is set for Sunday afternoon in Harrisonburg. James Madison hosts Notre Dame on Dec. 14, while VCU travels to Temple on Dec. 13.