James Madison prevails over Montana State in an instant classic in Cancun

JAMES MADISON 65,  MONTANA STATE 62

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MX — In what turned out to be one of the best games of Thanksgiving week across all of college basketball, the James Madison Dukes (5-2) battled their way back to defeat Montana State Bobcats (3-3) 65-62 in the late game of the 2023 Cancun Challenge Riviera Tournament.

The Dukes opened the game showing no signs from the tough loss against Michigan State just 24 hours earlier. JMU jumped out to a 20-14 lead early, spurred on by a 12-2 run to end the first quarter combined with 12 points off the bench.

Montana State, coming off an impressive victory over New Mexico on Thanksgiving night, was able to clamp down on the Dukes offense in the second quarter but JMU took a 33-28 lead into the half.

Ashanti Bates had tallied 10 points for JMU and Montana State's Lexi Deden, who recorded a double-double on Thursday, led the way with 8 points and five boards at the midway point.

The Bobcats came out with a renewed commitment to defense in the second half and outscored JMU 18-10 in the third quarter. Montana State headed to the final frame with a 46-43 lead.

The final minute was one you had to see to believe. James Madison was guided by Jamia Hazell to take  the lead, 60-59, with 26.8 seconds remaining. Madison Hall regained the lead for the Bobcats, 61-60, on a putback jumper with just shy of 16 seconds remaining.

The Dukes quickly carried the ball down the the floor, finding Peyton McDaniel for the final go-ahead three to give the Dukes the lead for good with just 11 seconds remaining. JMU was able to stop the Bobcats final efforts and seal the win at the line.

The Friday night grand finale at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera marked the end of the tournament for both schools. Next up for the two teams, Montana State will travel to Porland, Oregon on Saturday, Dec. 2 to face off against Portland. James Madison heads back east to play Liberty in Lynchburg, Va on Friday, Dec. 1.

2023 Cancun Challenge- Riviera Tournament-  All-Tournament Team

MVP - Lauren Jensen - Creighton

Morgan Maly - Creighton

Jamia Hazell- James Madison

Tonie Morgan- Georgia Tech

Lexi Deden - Montana State

Julia Ayrault - Michigan State

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