Virginia Tech Beats James Madison 59-43

Virginia Tech snapped a three-game losing streak to James Madison with a 59-43 win at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Basketball

Virginia Tech defeated James Madison 59-43 in women's basketball at Cassell Coliseum, ending a three-game losing streak against the Dukes. Carleigh Wenzel led the Hokies with 15 points and four assists, and Virginia Tech led the entire second half.

Why it matters

The win marked the first Virginia Tech victory over James Madison since December 2008, a span of more than 17 years. It gives the Hokies a 3-0 start to the early season while James Madison falls to 1-2.

Virginia Tech outshot James Madison 36.1% to 25.9% from the field and won the rebounding battle 47-32, with Jessica Dimaro grabbing 14 rebounds. Zakiya Stephenson shot just 2 of 14 for James Madison, while Trinity Moore added 11 points off the bench.

The players

Carleigh Wenzel

Virginia Tech guard who led the Hokies with 15 points and four assists in the win over James Madison.

Trinity Moore

James Madison guard who scored 11 points off the bench in the loss.

The details

Virginia Tech ended the second quarter on a 15-3 run to take a 26-16 halftime lead and never trailed in the second half. Leila Wells defended Zakiya Stephenson and Bree Robinson, while Jessica Dimaro scored seven points and added 14 rebounds for the Hokies.

December 2008: Virginia Tech last beat James Madison before this game.
November 2025: James Madison beat Virginia Tech 65-56 in Harrisonburg.
November 8, 2026: Virginia Tech defeated James Madison 59-43 at Cassell Coliseum.

Season Trajectory

The result reverses James Madison's 65-56 win in Harrisonburg from November 2025 and ends a stretch dating to December 2008 without a Virginia Tech victory over the Dukes. For Virginia Tech, the 3-0 start keeps the team unbeaten early, while James Madison's 1-2 record signals a slower opening to its season.

Virginia Tech's 3-0 start gives the Hokies early momentum heading into the rest of their nonconference schedule. For James Madison, the 1-2 record means the Dukes will need to recover quickly from a second straight defeat.