Villanova Women’s Basketball Beats JMU Behind Resurgent Brynn McCurry

Villanova Women’s Basketball won their first road game of the season on Sunday, Nov. 16, defeating James Madison 84-73 behind an 18-point outing from junior forward Brynn McCurry, who continues to bounce back after missing all of last season to injury.

Making her first start of the season, McCurry added five rebounds and seven assists while sinking 10 of 11 foul shots as a formidable presence down low.

The Dukes led for much of the first period but a three from freshman Kennedy Henry put Villanova (3-2) in front, sparking a back-and-forth stretch of six lead changes in less than four minutes.

The Wildcats began a 9-0 run late in the frame that lasted into the second, then Kelsey Joens pushed the lead to double digits with a 10-2 run all on her own in which she sank four shots on five Villanova possessions. Then it was the Dukes’ turn to get hot, however, closing the deficit to 37-35 at the half.

JMU tied the game with a pair of foul shots on the first possession of the third quarter. The Wildcats didn’t blink, allowing just one shot from the field over the next five minutes as they pulled ahead 55-40.

Henry and Denae Carter got into foul trouble in the final frame — Henry fouled out late, while Carter managed just 16 minutes throughout — hurting Villanova’s ability to close out the Dukes. JMU closed within seven late, but four Wildcats besides McCurry finished the game in double figures: Joens (10), Henry (11), Jasmine Bascoe (17) and Ryanne Allen (14) as they put together a strong team win.

Up Next, Villanova women’s basketball will open Big 5 play at home against Temple, hosting the Owls at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22.