Preview: James Madison Dukes at Massachusetts Minutewomen

HADLEY, Mass. (Interstat) — A surging James Madison women’s basketball team aims to continue its strong run against a formidable Massachusetts squad when the Dukes visit the Minutewomen on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at the Mullins Center.

The matchup features two teams with winning momentum. James Madison (17-8) enters having won five of its last six games, including an 83-72 road victory at Southern Mississippi on Wednesday. The Dukes’ offense has been potent during this stretch, averaging 81 points in their last three wins.

Massachusetts (16-4) has been equally impressive, winning seven of its last eight contests. The Minutewomen are coming off a 75-60 home win over Eastern Michigan on Wednesday and boast a 9-1 record at the Mullins Center this season.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s top guards. James Madison is led by Peyton McDaniel, who has scored 21 or more points in seven of her last nine games. She is averaging 22.2 points per game during that torrid stretch, including a 24-point performance at Southern Mississippi.

Massachusetts counters with floor general Ayanna Franks, who dished out seven assists in the win over Eastern Michigan. Franks provides steady playmaking and scoring, having reached double figures in points in three of her last five outings.

In their last game, McDaniel received strong support from Ashanti Barnes (21 points) and Bree Robinson (16 points). For UMass, Allie Palmieri (18 points) and Megan Olbrys (15 points) were key contributors alongside Franks.

The game could hinge on James Madison’s high-scoring offense against a Massachusetts defense that has held opponents to 60 points or fewer in three of its last five home games. The Dukes have shown vulnerability on the road, however, with their two most recent losses coming at Arkansas State and Georgia State.

This non-conference clash represents a final tune-up for both teams before resuming their respective league schedules next week. James Madison visits Appalachian State on Wednesday, while Massachusetts travels to Northern Illinois on Tuesday.