By Bert Leeson

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Fresh off a thrilling victory in Louisiana, the #19 James Madison Dukes (14-0, 2-0 Sun Belt) continue their road trip and face another formidable test as they take on the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (7-7, 1-1 SBC) at Reed Green Coliseum in Hattiesburg, Miss., on Saturday, January 6th, at 3:00 p.m. EST.

Last Time Out:

• In a high-stakes matchup at the Cajundome, the undefeated James Madison Dukes secured its 14th consecutive victory of the season, defeating the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 68-61 and ending their 19-game home win streak.
• JMU, despite shooting only 25 percent from the field and managing 22 points in the first half, put up 46 points and shot 56.67 percent in the second half en route to the victory.
• Terrence Edwards Jr. led the Dukes with 19 points, while T.J. Bickerstaff recorded his fifth double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
• Noah Freidel contributed with 11 points, including a crucial three-pointer to seal the Dukes’ victory.
• JMU out-rebounded Louisiana 46-31, led by Bickerstaff’s 11. Raekwon Horton also notched a season-high 10 rebounds while also adding eight points off the bench.

The Golden Eagles Overview:

• Prior to this week, USM had not played at home since December 9th, playing their last four games on the road and going 1-3 in that stretch.
• Southern Miss is looking to use this opportunity of playing Georgia State and JMU at home to reestablish themselves.  With a win over Georgia State on Thursday, Southern Miss now boasts a 19-1 home record since last year.
• The Golden Eagles secured a 79-73 Sun Belt win over Georgia State, with Andre Curbelo recording a triple-double (13 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds).
• USM returns notable key players, including Austin Crowley, Preseason Sun Belt Player of the Year.  Crowley had a standout junior season, earning various accolades such as Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year and First Team All-Sun Belt.  Against Georgia State, he matched his previous season-high with 25 points, providing a significant scoring spark. He is averaging over 16 points per game.
• Victor Hart had an efficient game with 10 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in 20 minutes against Georgia State.
• The team was picked 4th in the Preseason Coaches Poll, and they have seven newcomers, including transfers like Victor Iwuakor, Andre Curbelo, and Luke Ladner.
• Saturday’s contest vs. No.19 JMU marks USM’s first time hosting a ranked team at Reed Green Coliseum since 2011.

Other Notes:

• This season, James Madison has a history of halting impressive home win streaks, and now they face the challenge of taking on Southern Miss, who boasts an 18-1 home record since last year.
• JMU, one of three remaining Division I unbeatens as of Jan. 5 (Houston, Ole Miss), finished 7-0 in the month of November and 6-0 in December.
• The Dukes earned the top spot in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-major poll, surpassing Gonzaga and receiving every first-place vote.
• Terrence Edwards Jr. and T.J. Bickerstaff have earned Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week honors twice, and have each been named USBWA Oscar Robertson Award National Player of the Week this season.
• Coach Mark Byington was announced as the recipient of the Hugh Durham Award midseason coaching honor, as announced Thursday by CollegeInsider.com.

Looking Ahead:

• Following Saturday’s tilt with Southern Miss, the Dukes fly back to Harrisonburg Saturday night and will prepare to host South Alabama (Thursday, 7 p.m. EST) and App State (Saturday, 4 p.m. EST).

COURTESY JMU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS