HADLEY, Mass. (Interstat) — Peyton McDaniel scored 29 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, leading James Madison to a decisive 71-57 victory over Massachusetts in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Sunday at Mullins Center.

The Dukes used a dominant third-quarter defensive performance to seize control, holding the Minutemen to just eight points in the period to turn a narrow halftime lead into a comfortable advantage. James Madison improved to 18-8 overall, while Massachusetts fell to 16-5.

The game was a back-and-forth affair in the early stages, with James Madison holding a 22-19 lead after a first quarter that featured six lead changes. The Dukes maintained a slim 35-32 edge at halftime, but the complexion of the contest changed dramatically after the break.

James Madison’s defense stifled Massachusetts throughout the third quarter, forcing seven turnovers and limiting the Minutemen to 3-of-12 shooting from the field. Offensively, the Dukes methodically built their lead, going on a 12-2 run to close the quarter with a 55-40 advantage. The surge was fueled by McDaniel, who scored nine points in the period, and a supporting cast that capitalized on extra possessions generated by 17 offensive rebounds in the game.

The most pivotal sequence came late in the third quarter. With James Madison leading 44-38, the Dukes scored on three consecutive possessions, capped by a 3-pointer from McDaniel with 1:25 remaining, to push the lead to 52-38. Massachusetts never recovered, as the Dukes’ lead never dipped below 12 points in the final quarter.

McDaniel, a 6-foot guard from Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, was efficient and impactful, shooting 10-of-21 from the field and 4-of-9 from 3-point range while adding three assists and two steals in 33 minutes. Her performance continued a stellar stretch, following games of 24, 22 and 13 points in her last three outings.

Grace McDonough provided crucial interior support for James Madison with 10 points and eight rebounds. Bree Robinson added eight points and five assists, while Zakiya Stephenson contributed nine points and six assists.

Massachusetts was led by Yahmani McKayle and Allie Palmieri, who each scored 15 points. Lilly Ferguson dished out five assists but was held to just 4 points on 2-of-9 shooting. The Minutemen struggled offensively all afternoon, posting an offensive rating of 79.5 points per 100 possessions and committing 16 turnovers against a relentless James Madison defense that recorded 11 steals.

James Madison won despite shooting just 40.9% from the field and committing 23 turnovers. The Dukes compensated with superior rebounding, holding a 45-33 overall advantage and a 17-6 edge on the offensive glass, leading to 18 second-chance points. They also connected on 10 3-pointers compared to just five for Massachusetts.

The Dukes’ victory, projected with a 58.1% probability by Interstat’s ELO system, snapped a two-game road losing streak in the series. James Madison next travels to face Appalachian State on Wednesday. Massachusetts looks to rebound on the road at Northern Illinois on Tuesday.

The announced attendance at the Mullins Center was 1,033.