NEWARK, Del. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison men’s basketball secured a 71-61 road victory over Delaware Wednesday night, marking the Dukes first win of the season.

Following a cold start by both teams, JMU (1-2, 0-0 SBC) had to settle in before building a nine-point lead in the opening half over the Fightin’ Blue Hens (1-2, 0-0 CUSA). With Adrian Myers and Brandon Lee pushing the offensive pace, James Madison’s lead ballooned to 49-34 in the second, but the Dukes weren’t out of the woods yet. With JMU going on a late cold spell, the Fightin’ Blue Hens battled their way back to make it a few possession game; however, James Madison held on to win 71-61, capping the night off with a 6-0 run.

Powered by ten opening half points, Myers led the Dukes for the first time this year, finishing the night with a season-high 19 points on 67 percent shooting (6-of-9). Delaware was led by Nick Petronio with 16 points on 60 percent shooting (6-of-10).

JMU won the battle on the glass, 41-33, marking the first time JMU outrebounded their opponent this season. The Dukes shot 39 percent from the field (22-of-56), 28 percent from three (7-of-25), and 77 percent from the line (20-of-26). Delaware shot 40 percent from the field (22-of-55), 39 percent from three (9-of-23), and 67 percent from the line (8-of-12).

The Dukes return to Harrisonburg, Virginia, to host Mercyhurst this Sunday at 4 p.m. The JMU women’s basketball team will face ECU at 1 p.m. at the Atlantic Bank Union Center, marking the season’s first doubleheader.

How it Happened
First Half: James Madison 35, Delaware 26
– Despite the Dukes shooting 30 percent through the first five minutes, Delaware was only able to build a 9-8 lead by the first media timeout as they were struggling with early turnover trouble.
– Fueled by a 9-0 run, JMU jumped ahead, 17-11, by the 12-minute media timeout.
– With both teams hovering around 30 percent shooting, the Dukes continued to hold an arm’s length lead over UD at the under-eight media break.
– JMU ended the second half up 35-26 with Myers leading the way with 10 points.

Second Half: James Madison 36, Delaware 35
– UD opened the second half on a 6-2 run before JMU responded with a 10-0 scoring flurry to extend its lead to 47-32 at the first media break.
– With the Dukes going cold for over three minutes, UD cut their deficit down to 50-40 by the 12-minute media timeout.
– The JMU cold spell continued over the next few possessions, giving UD the opportunity to claw their way back into the game, down 56-50.
– UD stayed on the Dukes’ tails, but JMU responded to each scoring attack.
– JMU ended the game knocking down six straight free throws, securing the Dukes a 71-61 win.

Game Notes
– JMU snapped a four-game losing streak to UD with tonight’s win. JMU now trails the all-time series, 23-14.
– With tonight marking the first time a team under the direction of head coach Preston Spradlin has faced a squad from Delaware, Spradlin is now 1-0 against the State.
– Following Myers, Brandon Lee posted his second straight double digit performance, finishing the night with 18 points on 42 percent shooting (5-of-12).
– Garrett Sundra led the Dukes with a career-high 11 rebounds.
– Myers tied his career-high of three steals.
– Paul Jones III tied his career-high of five rebounds
– JMU ended the day with 12 offensive rebounds, marking the third straight game the Dukes’ won the offensive glass

— JMU Athletics —