Arkansas State made history by defeating James Madison 86-79 in overtime to win the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Women’s Basketball Championship. With the victory, the Red Wolves secured their first-ever NCAA Tournament berth.
Picked to finish 13th in the conference before the season, Arkansas State defied expectations with a 21-10 overall record and a 15-3 mark in league play. Entering the tournament as the No. 2 seed, they capped off their remarkable run with a thrilling championship win.
Rose Shines as Red Wolves Take the Title
Crislyn Rose led the way for Arkansas State, scoring 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting to earn the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award. She was one of five Red Wolves in double figures, alongside Mimi McCollister (16 points), Annalise Griffin (13), Wynter Rogers (12), and Kennedie Montue (11).
James Madison’s Peyton McDaniel recorded her 14th double-double of the season with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Ashanti Barnes also contributed a double-double with 17 points and 13 boards.
Fast-Paced Battle Leads to Overtime Thriller
The game started at a blistering pace, with both teams pressing full court and trading baskets. McDaniel and Rogers each scored eight first-quarter points, leading to a 23-23 tie.
James Madison surged ahead in the second quarter with a 19-0 run, fueled by McDaniel’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc. However, Griffin helped Arkansas State close the gap to 40-32 by halftime.
The Red Wolves opened the third quarter with a flurry of three-pointers, forcing a James Madison timeout as the Dukes held a narrow 47-44 lead. After a back-and-forth stretch, James Madison entered the fourth quarter with a 57-51 advantage.
Arkansas State took control in the final period, sinking three straight three-pointers to grab a 66-63 lead. The Dukes fought back, reclaiming a two-point edge with just over a minute left. Rose responded with a layup to tie the game at 70, sending the contest into overtime.
Red Wolves Take Over in Overtime
Arkansas State dominated the extra period, scoring seven of the first eight points. Rose delivered the decisive blow with a clutch three-pointer to extend the lead to 77-71. The Red Wolves never trailed again, sealing their seven-point victory and their place in program history.
2025 Sun Belt Women’s Basketball Championship Awards
Most Outstanding Player
- Crislyn Rose, G, Arkansas State
All-Tournament Team
- Kennedie Montue, G, Arkansas State
- Peyton McDaniel, G, James Madison
- Ashanti Barnes, F, James Madison
- Aislynn Hayes, G, Marshall
- Mikyla Tolivert, G, Georgia State
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