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James Madison Women’s Basketball to Face UMass in Key MAC-SBC Challenge Matchup
The James Madison University (JMU) women’s basketball team is set to clash with the University of Massachusetts (UMass) on February 8, in the concluding contest of the 2025-26 MAC-SBC challenge. The game, announced Tuesday afternoon by the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and Sun Belt Conference (SBC), promises a compelling showdown between two programs navigating conference transitions and seeking to bolster their postseason resumes.
Dukes and Minutewomen Set to Renew Rivalry
The highly anticipated matchup will tip off at 12 p.m. ET from the Mullins Center and will be nationally televised on the CBS Sports network. JMU enters the contest with a 2-0 all-time series advantage over UMass, with their previous encounters dating back to 2001. This history adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming game.
JMU’s Dominance in MAC-SBC Challenge and Against MAC Opponents
The Dukes boast a strong record against current MAC teams, holding a 12-4 (.750) overall mark. Notably, JMU has maintained a perfect record against Kent State (3-0), Eastern Michigan (2-0), Massachusetts (2-0), and Ohio (2-0). Their performance in the MAC-SBC Challenge has also been notable, with a 3-2 record and a current three-game winning streak, highlighted by an 80-48 victory over Kent State on November 3.
UMass Adapts to new conference landscape
The Minutewomen, currently 10-2 with a 2-0 record in league play, are ranked 68th in the latest NET rankings. This season marks a notable shift for UMass, as they compete in their inaugural season within the MAC after a long tenure in the Atlantic 10 Conference, spanning from 1983 to 2025. They recently secured a 58-52 win over Old Dominion on November 3, demonstrating their competitive edge.
Sun Belt Gains Early Advantage in Challenge
The first leg of the 2025-26 MAC-SBC Challenge saw the Sun Belt Conference secure eight wins out of 13 matchups on November 3. This initial success sets the stage for a competitive return leg, with both conferences eager to demonstrate their strength.
Full MAC-SBC Challenge Schedule – february 7 & 8
Here’s a complete look at the women’s basketball matchups for the MAC-SBC Challenge:
saturday, February 7
- App State at Kent State
- arkansas State at Eastern Michigan
- Coastal Carolina at Bowling Green
- Georgia Southern at Miami (Ohio)
- Louisiana at Akron
- ULM at Buffalo
- Marshall at Central Michigan
- Old Dominion at Ohio
- South Alabama at Western Michigan
- Southern Miss at Toledo
- Texas State at Northern Illinois
- Troy at Ball State
Sunday, February 8
- James Madison at Massachusetts (CBS Sports network)
The MAC-SBC challenge, initiated during the 2023-24 season, was conceived by the Sun Belt’s strategic planning committees for men’s and women’s basketball. Ordinal Sports Group provides scheduling assistance, prioritizing NET data, geographical considerations, and the history of contests between teams. Each participating team is guaranteed both a home and away game each season through the 2026-27 campaign, fostering consistent competition and regional rivalries.
