Cats Drop Heartbreaker in Final Seconds at Cancun Challenge

Friday, November 24

Cancun, Mexico

7 p.m. (MT)

Montana State University

3-3,0-0Big Sky

James Madison

5-2,0-0Sun Belt

James Madison

Montana St.

Katelynn Limardo

Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services

Cats Drop Heartbreaker in Final Seconds at Cancun Challenge

11/25/2023 1:22:00 AM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

“We battled,” said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. “It was a very physical game against a top mid-major opponent. If we get a couple of more rebounds, it could’ve been a different ending.”

By: Tom Schulz

James Madison's Peyton McDaniel hit a three-pointer with 11-seconds remaining to give the Dukes a 63-61 advantage and JMU closed out the game with a pair of free throws with three-seconds left to post a 65-62 win over Montana State on Friday night at the 18th Cancun Challenge played at the Hard Rock Hotel Riveria Maya (Mexico) Convention Center.

Montana State (3-3) held a 56-50 lead with four-minutes, 54-seconds left in the fourth quarter following a Taylor Janssen triple. James Madison (5-2) evened the score at 58-all on a Jamia Hazell three-pointer at the 1:47 mark but the Bobcats reclaimed the advantage 25-seconds later as Katelynn Limardo converted the front end of two free throws.

With 26-seconds left, Hazell connected on two charity tosses to give JMU is first lead of the final period. MSU's Madison Hall answered with a short jumper with 16-seconds left to give the Bobcats a 61-60 before Hazell delivered the final dagger.

"We battled," said MSU head coach Tricia Binford. "It was a very physical game against a top mid-major opponent. If we get a couple of more rebounds, it could've been a different ending."

MSU opened the game hitting just five-of-17 from the field as James Madison built a 20-14 lead after the first 10-minutes. The Dukes held a 33-28 advantage at intermission as Steph Ouderkirk connected for two at the buzzer.

The Bobcats opened the second half on a 9-0 run taking a 37-35 lead following back-to-back baskets by Lexi Deden. MSU held a 46-43 cushion after the third quarter.

"I'm proud of the character we showed tonight," Binford said. "We went two of three on the road on the first part of six games away from home. We are heading in the right direction."

Limardo and Deden each poured in 14 points, while Natalie Picton added 11 and Janssen 10. Limardo went nine-of-11 from the line to account for her points. She also pulled down a team-best eight rebounds, while Deden added six boards.

For the game, MSU shot 33.9% from the floor, connected on five-of-20 from beyond the arc, and converted 17-21 from the line. JMU shot 36.8% and connected on eight-of-27 from long distance. The Dukes held a 46-39 advantage under the glass.

For her efforts against New Mexico and James Madison, Deden was named to the 2023 Cancun Challenge Riviera All-Tournament Team.

MSU plays at Portland, Saturday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. (MT).