MONROE, La. (Interstat) — A surging James Madison looks to continue its climb in the conference standings when the Dukes visit Louisiana-Monroe on Thursday night in a Sun Belt women’s basketball matchup.

The Dukes (13-7) have won three of their last four, including a 67-60 victory over Georgia Southern last Saturday. They are led by guard Peyton McDaniel, who is coming off a dominant 22-point, 12-rebound performance in that win. Over her last six games, McDaniel is averaging 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds, providing consistent scoring and presence on the glass.

James Madison’s recent success has been built on defensive effort and balanced contributions. In the win over Marshall on Jan. 15, the Dukes held their opponent to just 43 points. Ashanti Barnes and Grace McDonough have provided key support alongside McDaniel.

Louisiana-Monroe (8-9) aims to build momentum after a resounding 102-58 home victory over Louisiana-Lafayette. The Warhawks’ offense runs through dynamic guard Nakiyah Mays-Prince, who recorded a double-double with 20 points and 10 assists in that rout. Mays-Prince has scored 20 or more points in two of her last three contests and is a constant threat to create for herself and others.

Fant-Ewing Coliseum has been a house of extremes for ULM this season. The Warhawks are 6-3 at home, with the offense erupting for triple digits in their latest outing, but they have also suffered lopsided defeats on their own floor, including an 89-71 loss to Arkansas State earlier this month.

The matchup between McDaniel’s all-around game and Mays-Prince’s playmaking will be pivotal. James Madison will seek to impose its defensive will and handle a potentially hostile road environment, while ULM needs another efficient offensive night to counter the Dukes’ recent form.

Tipoff is set for Thursday, Jan. 22, at Fant-Ewing Coliseum.