What's Happening?
James Madison Dukes and Texas State Bobcats are set to face off in a Sun Belt Conference matchup on January 3, 2026, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The Dukes, with a record of 10-5 overall and 2-1 in the conference, are coming off a victory against Georgia State, where Zakiya Stephenson scored 22 points. The Bobcats, holding a 6-6 overall record and 2-0 in the conference, are looking to maintain their unbeaten conference streak. Key players for the Dukes include Peyton McDaniel, averaging 18.1 points per game, and Ashanti Barnes-Williams, with 14.7 points and 9.7 rebounds over the last 10 games. For the Bobcats, Saniya Burks leads with 16.2 points per game, supported by Kyra Anderson's 11.9 points and 7.8 rebounds.
Why It's Important?
This game is significant as it
could impact the standings within the Sun Belt Conference. James Madison's performance at home has been strong, with a 6-3 record, and they are known for their scoring ability, averaging 72.8 points per game. Texas State, on the other hand, is looking to prove their mettle against a team with a winning record, having struggled against such opponents this season. The outcome of this game could influence the momentum for both teams as they progress through the conference schedule, potentially affecting their seeding in the Sun Belt tournament.
What's Next?
Following this matchup, both teams will continue their conference play, with James Madison aiming to solidify their position in the standings and Texas State striving to maintain their unbeaten conference record. The performance of key players like Peyton McDaniel and Saniya Burks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of their respective teams. The results could also influence recruitment and future scheduling as both programs look to build on their current season's successes.
