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The Troy Trojans women’s basketball team (6-7, 0-1) opened up Sun Belt Conference play on Sunday, Dec. 29, with a 63-52 loss to the James Madison Dukes (9-4, 1-0) on the road.

Troy jumped out to a 12-0 lead in the first quarter and led 16-7 going into the second quarter, but JMU rallied to tie the score 30-30 at halftime. JMU went on to outscore the Trojans 19-9 in the third quarter and 33-22 total in the second half. JMU out-rebounded Troy 48-46 and forced 14 Trojan turnovers. The Dukes shot 32.4 percent from the field, while holding Troy to 30.2 percent shooting. JMU also outscored Troy 36-24 in the paint and 27-10 from bench scoring.

“What a night it was at JMU. We got out to such a hot start. The opening game plan was amazing from associate head coach Jennifer Graf, allowing us to open a huge lead,” Troy Coach Chanda Rigby said. “But as the game went on, it flipped towards them. The biggest problem was the interior, despite (Brianna Jackson) having a 21-rebound, 14-point double-double. But JMU is in the top-50 in the NET rankings, and they have a lot of good post players. We’re lacking in the post right now with Fortuna out, but we go home to play Coastal on Thursday. We just hope the fans show out, and we can get that win.”

Despite the frustrating loss, Troy’s Brianna Jackson had a huge night with 14 points and 21 rebounds. The 21 rebounds tied for the fourth most in Troy Division I history. Jackson also blocked two shots. Ashley Baez added 10 points, three rebounds, one block and one steal. Shaulana Wagner dished four assists and grabbed 10 rebounds with eight points.

JMU was led by Peyton McDaniel with 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Roshala Scott earned 11 points and three steals.

Troy is back at home for another conference matchup against Coastal Carolina on Thursday, Jan. 2, at 6 p.m.