Miami (Ohio) Tops James Madison 59-52
James Madison's season opener ended in a loss after 26 turnovers and a cold fourth quarter at Millett Hall.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
Miami (Ohio) defeated James Madison 59-52 on Monday night at Millett Hall in Oxford, Ohio, in the season opener for both teams. James Madison committed 26 turnovers and shot 1-of-12 from three-point range.
Why it matters
The loss starts James Madison's 2026-27 season with a turnover problem that undercut its offense throughout the game. Early results like this one set the tone for the team's early-season evaluation.
James Madison committed 26 turnovers and shot 1-of-12 from three-point range, with Julianna LaMendola scoring 24 points for Miami and Bree Robinson scoring 12 for James Madison. James Madison shot 2-of-10 in the fourth quarter while Miami made 9-of-13 free throws in that period.
The players
Julianna LaMendola
Miami (Ohio) guard who led all scorers with 24 points in the win over James Madison.
Bree Robinson
James Madison guard who led her team with 12 points in the season-opening loss.
The details
Miami (Ohio) opened the game with a 10-0 run and led 19-12 after the first quarter. James Madison made four of its last five field goal attempts in the fourth quarter, including back-to-back scores by Kinley Lewis, but could not close the gap.
Timeline
Monday, November 2, 2026: James Madison lost 59-52 to Miami (Ohio) at Millett Hall.
Upcoming: James Madison hosts Central Connecticut State at 6 p.m. at Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg.
Season Trajectory
The season-opening loss to Miami (Ohio) gives James Madison an early benchmark for its turnover margin and perimeter shooting as it begins the 2026-27 campaign. The next test comes at home against Central Connecticut State, where the team can look to tighten ball security.
Fantasy and bracket watchers should note James Madison's 26 turnovers and 1-of-12 three-point shooting as early indicators. Local fans can catch the next home game against Central Connecticut State at Atlantic Union Bank Center.
The takeaway
Ball security and perimeter shooting decided this opener, and both are areas the team can address before its next home game. Watching how those numbers change against Central Connecticut State will show whether the early struggles were a one-game issue.
What happens next
James Madison hosts Central Connecticut State at 6 p.m. at Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg.
Further reading
Follow the team's next steps in Basketball coverage for Harrisonburg.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rocktown Now - News, Weather & Events in Harrisonburg, VA.
