Kentucky Cruises Past James Madison in Women's NCAA Tournament

Tonie Morgan and Amelia Hassett lead the Wildcats to a 71-56 victory in the first round.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:49pm

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The Kentucky Wildcats women's basketball team defeated the James Madison Dukes 71-56 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Tonie Morgan scored 18 points and Amelia Hassett added 14 points, including 11 in the dominant first half, to lead Kentucky. Clara Strack recorded a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds for the Wildcats, who advanced to the second round.

Why it matters

This win keeps Kentucky's season alive as they look to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats have not reached the Sweet 16 since 2016, and this victory sets them up for a potential matchup with either West Virginia or Miami (Ohio) in the next round.

The details

Kentucky used its size advantage to control the game, blocking 8 shots and limiting James Madison to just 34% shooting. The Wildcats jumped out to a 32-10 lead after the first quarter and led by as many as 29 points before the Dukes chipped away at the deficit. James Madison, the Sun Belt Conference Tournament champions, saw their 12-game winning streak snapped.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Tonie Morgan

A key player for the Kentucky Wildcats, scoring 18 points in the victory.

Amelia Hassett

Scored 14 points, including 11 in the first half, to help Kentucky build a big lead.

Clara Strack

A 6-foot-5 center for Kentucky who recorded a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds.

Ashanti Barnes

Led the James Madison Dukes with 16 points in the loss.

Peyton McDaniel

Scored 15 points for the James Madison Dukes.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Wildcats will play either No. 4 seed West Virginia or No. 13 Miami (Ohio) in the second round on Monday.

The takeaway

This victory keeps Kentucky's NCAA Tournament hopes alive as they look to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016. The Wildcats' size and defensive intensity proved to be too much for the James Madison Dukes in the opening round.