Full Breakdown
Notre Dame Women's Basketball Triumphs Over James Madison
12/15/2025, 4:10:58 AM
Game Overview: Notre Dame vs. James Madison
On December 14, 2025, the No. 19 Notre Dame Fighting Irish secured a 78-65 victory against the James Madison Dukes in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This win improved Notre Dame's record to 8-2 for the season. The Fighting Irish established a strong lead early in the game, finishing the first quarter with a 25-12 advantage. Despite a late rally from James Madison, Notre Dame maintained control throughout the match.
Key Performers
Cassandre Prosper led the Fighting Irish with a game-high 24 points, shooting 11-of-16 from the field, along with six rebounds and three assists. Malaya Cowles contributed significantly with a season-high 17 points, five steals, and four rebounds. Hannah Hidalgo added 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists. For James Madison, Ashanti Barnes recorded a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Zakiya Stephenson and Peyton McDaniel scored 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Game Flow and Statistics
Notre Dame dominated the first half, leading 40-26 at halftime. The Irish's largest lead reached 20 points in the third quarter at 56-36. However, James Madison responded with a 7-1 run to start the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to 61-52. Despite this effort, Notre Dame quickly regained momentum and maintained a lead of at least 12 points for the remainder of the game.
The Fighting Irish capitalized on turnovers, scoring 21 points off 19 James Madison turnovers, and outscored the Dukes 38-24 in the paint. James Madison held advantages in bench points (17-8) and second-chance points (14-8), but ultimately could not overcome Notre Dame's early lead.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, Notre Dame head coach Micah Shrewsberry praised his team's defensive efforts and ability to maintain composure under pressure. He noted, “Our defense was key in creating opportunities for us on the offensive end.” Meanwhile, James Madison's coach highlighted the need for improvement in closing out games, stating, “We showed resilience, but we need to be more consistent in our execution.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, some analysts pointed out that Notre Dame's performance in the second half raised concerns about their ability to maintain leads against stronger opponents. Critics emphasized that allowing a significant run from James Madison could be problematic in future matchups.
What's Next
The Fighting Irish will return to Purcell Pavilion to face Bellarmine on December 21, 2025, while James Madison will travel to Coastal Carolina for their next game on December 17, 2025. Both teams aim to build on their current performances as the season progresses.
Verbatim Quotes
This victory marks another step in Notre Dame's pursuit of a successful season, showcasing their depth and resilience in a competitive landscape.
