MORGANTOWN, W. Va. – No. 12 James Madison’s season came to an end with a 71–56 loss to No. 5 Kentucky in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Ashanti Barnes led the Dukes with 16 points and six rebounds. She was joined in double-digit scoring by Peyton McDaniel, who in her final game with the Dukes, recorded 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

Kentucky (24–10) shot 11-for-18 (61.1%) from the field in the opening quarter, outscoring James Madison 32–10 to get off to an early lead.

After struggling in the first quarter, James Madison held Kentucky to just 11 points in the second, limiting the Wildcats to 23.5% shooting from the field.

Heading into the locker room, the Dukes faced a 43–18 deficit at halftime.

James Madison outscored Kentucky 38–28 in the second half, shooting 38.2% from the field and committing just five turnovers. They also limited the Wildcats to 32.1% from the field and 23.1% from three-point range over the final 20 minutes.

The comeback effort ultimately fell short, as the Dukes dropped the game 71–56.

James Madison finishes the season with a 26–9 record, marking its second NCAA Tournament appearance in four years.

McDaniel concludes her career at James Madison ranked third all-time in points (2,325) and fourth in rebounds (1,025).