New York City, NY – Xavier Brown’s electrifying performance led James Madison University to a remarkable victory over Wisconsin in the first round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Despite their lower seed, the Dukes dominated throughout the game, stunning the basketball community with a 72-61 win. The Barclays Center erupted in celebration as James Madison secured their first tournament win in nearly four decades.
The Dukes’ confidence heading into the game stemmed from a season filled with success, including an impressive win over fourth-ranked Michigan State. Led by coach Mark Byington, James Madison’s basketball program has been making waves, following in the footsteps of their highly successful football team. The team’s unwavering belief and determination were on full display as they faced off against Wisconsin.
Facing a challenging matchup against a larger Wisconsin team, the Dukes found success by pressuring the Badgers’ guards and capitalizing on turnovers. Coach Byington’s strategic tactics paid off as James Madison’s defense proved to be relentless, forcing Wisconsin to make costly errors throughout the game.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Dukes’ locker room echoed with excitement and anticipation for their next challenge – facing Duke in the next round of the tournament. Despite their underdog status, James Madison’s performance against Wisconsin has solidified their place as a team to watch in the NCAA tournament.
The journey to victory was a culmination of hard work, determination, and unwavering belief in their abilities. Players like Noah Freidel and Terrence Edwards Jr. delivered standout performances, showcasing the depth and talent of the James Madison team. The Dukes’ resiliency and commitment to playing a full 40 minutes of basketball were clear to see, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting matchup against Duke.
Looking ahead to the Sweet 16 showdown against Duke, James Madison remains focused and determined to continue their impressive run in the tournament. As the basketball world watches with anticipation, the Dukes are prepared to face their next challenge head-on, fueled by the belief that they can compete with the best teams in the nation.