HARRISONBURG, Va. (Interstat) — The James Madison Dukes look to continue their strong start to the season when they host the Georgia State Panthers in a Sun Belt Conference women’s basketball matchup on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The Dukes (9-5) enter the New Year’s Day contest at the JMU Convocation Center with a winning record built on notable nonconference victories over Virginia Tech, Boston College and VCU. Their most recent outing was a 74-83 overtime loss at Marshall on Dec. 20. James Madison is led by guard Ashanti Barnes, who has been a consistent force. She scored 21 points in the loss to Marshall and posted a 22-point, 13-rebound double-double against Notre Dame on Dec. 14. Her ability to impact scoring and rebounding will be central to the Dukes’ game plan. Georgia State (6-8) snapped a five-game skid with an 85-55 home win over LaGrange on Dec. 28. The Panthers’ season has been marked by offensive struggles, including a 46-point outing in a lopsided loss at Miami and a 47-point performance at Georgia Southern. The Panthers will rely heavily on the playmaking of guard Crystal Henderson. She is coming off a 14-point, 7-assist effort against LaGrange and has shown high-volume scoring ability, dropping 20 points against Kennesaw State and recording a 13-point, 10-assist double-double at Florida International earlier in December. Containing Henderson will be a key defensive focus for the Dukes. James Madison holds a clear advantage in the standings and will be favored on its home floor. The Dukes have demonstrated a more resilient defense and a capacity to win close games, as seen in their 71-68 victory at Coastal Carolina. Georgia State, seeking its first road win since Dec. 20, will need Henderson to have a high-efficiency afternoon and find secondary scoring from players like Grace Lanier and Cheyenne Holloman to challenge the hosts. This game opens the Sun Belt schedule for both teams. James Madison hosts Texas State on Saturday, while Georgia State travels to face Old Dominion the same day.