Freeman’s Offensive Show Leads the Dukes to Win Over Coastal Carolina, 73-64

Harrisonburg, Va.   –   Redshirt senior Mark Freeman led the James Madison men’s basketball team with 29 points off the bench as the Dukes persevered for a 73-64 win over Coastal Carolina.

James Madison moves to 13-9 (6-4 SBC) while Coastal Carolina now sits at 8-14 (1-9 SBC). JMU finished with a season-low two turnovers, while CCU only had five assists.

Tonight’s offensive battle was fronted for the Dukes by Freeman (29; 10 for 17) and senior Elijah Hutchins-Everett (11), who combined for 40 points. Xavier Brown and Bryce Lindsay added nine points each, with Lindsay going 9-3-3 with only one turnover. AJ Smith led the Dukes with eight rebounds, while Hutchins-Everett added five boards.

The Chanticleers’ offense was led by Jordan Battle and RaSheed Jones with 17 points a piece. Their defensive effort was led by rebounds where Josh Meo (8), Jordan Battle (9), and Denzel Hines (6) totaled 23.

How it happened

FIRST HALF - JAMES MADISON 36, COASTAL CAROLINA 30

• JMU started the game with a quick pair of baskets from junior Xavier Brown to jump out 5-0 after winning the jump.
• The Chanticleers answered offensively and kept the game within four (28-24) until 5:02 remained in the first half.
• Freeman gave the Dukes a four-point lead to start a run of six points to push the margin up to 10.
• Coastal scored three to end the half down six (36-30).

SECOND HALF - JAMES MADISON 37, COASTAL CAROLINA 34

• CCU started the second half offense to get to 36-35.
• James Madison and Coastal Carolina went back and forth in the paint keeping the game within six (58-52).
• With under seven to go, JMU was able to jump up eight (61-53).
• The Dukes secured the win with 4-4 free throws with a pair each from Eddie Ricks III and AJ Smith.

Game Notes

• The Men’s Basketball Dukes’ overall record against the Chanticleers’ now sits at 6-0 (4-0 in Sun Belt play)
• This is Freeman’s third straight game shooting more than 50% from the floor; 57.1% combined.
• Freeman with 29 points makes this his fourth 20+ point game of the season.
• With two steals today, Brown now has 100 career steals.
• JMU is now 12-4 when leading at halftime, and CCU is 0-11 when trailing at the half.
• Coastal averages 10.8 offensive rebounds in SBC play, tonight they only had five.

Up Next
The Dukes face Old Dominion (10-12, 6-4 SBC) for the second meeting of the Royal Rivalry this season, Saturday, February 1 at the Atlantic Union Bank Center. The game is scheduled to start at 4 pm; Follow along on ESPN+.