HARRISONBURG, VA. – Though the Cougars hit the floor at JMU's Convocation Center and gave the Dukes fits through the first quarter, the defending CAA Champions proved too much to handle, as The College fell 83-61.

The opening frame of the game was a gritty back and forth dogfight. Both teams played with a gritty physicality, as evidenced by the whopping 13 fouls between the two teams. Breanna Bolden scored a quick five points in the second quarter to give the Cougars a 19-17 lead, forcing JMU into an early timeout as head coach Kenny Brooks looked to right the ship.

Unfortunately for the Cougars, the Dukes did just that, tearing off a 26-6 run to close out the half. Senior Jazmon Gwathmey did the most damage, scoring 14 of her eventual 23 points during that span. After that, the deficit was solidified, and the game coasted to its eventual conclusion with both coaches emptying their benches.

“I thought we were right there with them,” head coach Candice M. Jackson said. “We still have a ways to go, but I liked our effort, particularly early on. We played hard and didn't quit, but we were outmatched in a few areas, and that's what hurt us.”

Bolden would go on to finish with 13 points and five boards, while Jackie Luna-Castro led the Cougars under the glass with nine rebounds, adding seven points. Dajah Logan hit 11 points for the second consecutive game, matching her career-high.

Despite the loss, the Cougars had encouraging efforts in a few categories, limiting themselves to 13 turnovers and forcing their way to the line for 25 attempts, 19 of which they made. Nola Henry was particularly effective, earning a game-high eight trips to the stripe en route to a nine point effort.

The College will make the long trek home, only to have to turn it around quickly for a showdown with the Hofstra Pride (10-3; 1-1 vs. CAA) in TD Arena.

“We've got to be ready for another physical game,” Jackson said. “Hofstra's a good team that play's hard and up-tempo. We need to be prepared to get in the mix rebounding again, because they rebound the ball just as well as James Madison does.”

Tipoff is scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m.