Basketball season is in full swing, and if you're looking for the score of JMU game, things just got incredibly wild. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, the James Madison Dukes pulled off one of the most improbable stunts of the year at the Atlantic Union Bank Center. They beat Old Dominion 70–69.
Honestly, it didn't look like they had a chance.
At one point in the first half, the Dukes were down by 19 points. The scoreboard read 44–25 in favor of the Monarchs, and the energy in the building was starting to feel a little flat. But then the second half started. Justin McBride basically decided he wasn't going to lose. He exploded for 29 points, shooting a perfect 6-of-6 in the second half.
The Comeback Nobody Expected
It wasn't just McBride, though. Gabe Newhof was a monster under the rim. He went 7-for-7 in the second half. That's not a typo. He didn't miss. The Dukes shot a collective 68% from the floor in those final 20 minutes to erase that massive deficit.
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The ending was pure chaos. With just two seconds left on the clock, Newhof hit a jumper to take the lead. The crowd—all 5,585 of them—went absolutely nuts. It was the largest comeback for JMU since the 2023-24 season.
Breaking Down the Numbers: JMU vs. Old Dominion
If you're into the nitty-gritty stats, here’s how the score of JMU game actually came together.
JMU dominated the paint. They outscored ODU 42–22 inside. They also crushed them on the boards, winning the rebounding battle 42–30. Even though they turned the ball over 16 times compared to ODU's 7, their efficiency in the second half made those mistakes irrelevant.
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- Final Score: JMU 70, Old Dominion 69
- Top Scorer: Justin McBride (29 PTS)
- Key Stat: 68% FG shooting in the second half
- The Hero: Gabe Newhof with the game-winner at 0:02
A Tough Break for the Women's Team
While the men were celebrating, the JMU women's team had a much harder time down in Atlanta on the same day. They played Georgia State and it was a heartbreaker. The final score was 72–70 in overtime.
Peyton McDaniel led everyone with 21 points, but it wasn't enough. Crystal Henderson from Georgia State sent the game to OT with a buzzer-beater 3-pointer, and then Cheyenne Hollman hit a layup with 0.4 seconds left in overtime to seal the Dukes' fate. It's the kind of loss that's hard to swallow because JMU led for nearly 39 minutes of the game.
What’s Next for the Dukes?
If you're keeping an eye on the schedule, the road doesn't get any easier. The men's team is heading out for a two-game road trip. First up is App State on January 15, followed by Marshall on January 17.
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Wait, I should mention the football side of things too, just in case you're still thinking about the fall. The 2025 season was historic. JMU actually made it to the College Football Playoff! They eventually fell to No. 5 Oregon in the first round with a score of 51–34 on December 20, 2025. Even with that loss, Bob Chesney being named a finalist for the Bear Bryant National Coach of the Year says everything you need to know about where that program is headed.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the score of JMU game throughout the rest of January, here is what you should watch for:
- Justin McBride’s Efficiency: If he continues to shoot over 50% from the field, JMU is a threat to anyone in the Sun Belt.
- Paint Presence: The Dukes are winning games when they dominate the glass. Keep an eye on the rebounding totals in the App State game.
- Road Performance: JMU has been much stronger at home (63-17 at the Atlantic Union Bank Center since it opened). This upcoming road trip will define their seed for the conference tournament.
The Dukes are currently 9-8 overall and 2-3 in the Sun Belt. They aren't at the top of the standings yet, but after a 19-point comeback, it’s clear this team has plenty of fight left in them.