James Madison University’s women’s basketball team is preparing for a rematch against Old Dominion University on Wednesday afternoon in Harrisonburg. The game, scheduled to start at 5 p.m., will be available for streaming on ESPN+.
This matchup is part of the TowneBank Royal Rivalry Challenge, which is now in its fourth year. James Madison won the all-sports challenge in the first two years and tied with Old Dominion in the third year. Currently, JMU leads this year’s rivalry series 5.5-2.5 after seven meetings.
In their previous encounter on February 14, Bree Robinson scored a career-high 30 points as James Madison defeated Old Dominion 87-53 at Chartway Arena. The Dukes scored 47 points in the second half and held Old Dominion to its largest loss against JMU since 1981. James Madison shot nearly 48% from the field and over 51% from three-point range during that game.
Other notable performances included Peyton McDaniel with 16 points, Grace McDonough with 13 points and five rebounds, Zakiya Stephenson contributing nine points and four assists, and Ashanti Barnes leading all players with five assists.
Since Sean O’Regan became head coach in the 2016-17 season, James Madison has a record of 44-6 against Division I teams from Virginia. This season, they have beaten Liberty, Virginia Tech, VCU, and Old Dominion while losing to George Mason.
The Dukes have used the same starting lineup—Zakiya Stephenson, Bree Robinson, Peyton McDaniel, Ashanti Barnes, and Grace McDonough—for all 29 games this season. According to Assistant Athletic Director John Vogel (Youngstown State), only twelve Division I programs have maintained the same starting five throughout this season.
James Madison holds an overall record of 111-73 against current Sun Belt Conference opponents and has been particularly successful since joining the league in 2022 with a conference record of 62-16. The Dukes are undefeated at home against Sun Belt teams since February 2024.
Nationally, JMU ranks among the top-75 teams in several statistical categories including rebounds per game (19th), rebound margin (19th), defensive rebounds per game (25th), field goal percentage (49th), scoring offense (51st), scoring margin (56th), and assists per game (75th). Individually, Peyton McDaniel is ranked among national leaders in total points; Bree Robinson is among leaders in steals; Ashanti Barnes ranks highly in rebounds.
Peyton McDaniel has achieved several career milestones: she is one of nine active Division I players with more than 2,000 career points and ranks within JMU’s top twenty for eight different statistical categories. She needs just over one hundred points to move into second place on JMU’s all-time scoring list and is close to reaching one thousand career rebounds.
Ashanti Barnes recently joined JMU’s list of players who have scored at least one thousand career points. Zakiya Stephenson is approaching three hundred collegiate assists across her time at Ole Miss and JMU.
At home inside Atlantic Union Bank Center since it opened in 2020-21, James Madison has posted a strong record of success under Coach O’Regan. This season alone they have secured twelve home victories for the third consecutive year.
Tickets for upcoming games remain available through both season packages and single-game options via the team’s official site. Parking arrangements include reserved access through Ballard Parking Deck’s North Entrance for pass holders while general parking is free on adjacent lots two hours before tip-off.
