James Madison introduced itself emphatically by defeating a Big Ten team at the start of the season. This declaration was reinforced when they replicated their triumph in the NCAA Tournament, ensuring that their victory was not perceived as an upset. Xavier Brown exemplified this confidence by proudly displaying his jersey amidst the jubilant celebration alongside teammates and passionate JMU supporters at Barclays Center.
In a historic performance, James Madison, as a 12th seed, secured their advancement in March Madness by defeating Wisconsin 72-61, marking the first instance of a 12 seed progressing in the tournament. Following suit, Grand Canyon became the second 12 seed to achieve victory in the first round by defeating fifth-seeded Saint Mary’s. With a remarkable 32-3 record, the Dukes are poised to face fourth-seeded Duke in the second round of the South Region, enjoying overwhelming support from their fans at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
Coach Mark Byington expressed pride in his team’s achievement, emphasizing that while their success is commendable, it is not unexpected. This victory propels James Madison to the second round of the tournament for the first time since 1983, accompanied by an impressive 14-game winning streak, the longest in the nation.
Max Klesmit’s exceptional performance in the second half kept Wisconsin within reach, but James Madison maintained control, buoyed by Noah Freidel’s timely contributions. Despite the Badgers’ efforts, they couldn’t narrow the gap, and the resounding chants of “J-M-U” reverberated through Barclays Center, reminiscent of the fervor at the Atlantic Union Bank Center.
The Dukes’ journey to success hasn’t been without challenges, as they’ve faced skepticism about the strength of their schedule and their capabilities. However, they’ve consistently proved their resilience and competitiveness, earning respect even from opponents like Wisconsin coach Greg Gard, who acknowledged the effectiveness of their defensive pressure.
Throughout the game, James Madison displayed dominance, particularly in the first half, where their aggressive defense stifled Wisconsin’s offense, resulting in a substantial halftime lead. Despite Klesmit’s valiant efforts for the Badgers, the Dukes remained composed, with contributions from players like T.J. Bickerstaff and Julien Wooden, reflecting their fearlessness in the face of formidable competition.
