Bowles shines with 37 points, 15 rebounds as James Madison rolls past Gardner-Webb 78-57

James Madison rolls past Gardner-Webb 78-57

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Denzel Bowles scored 37 points and had 15 rebounds to lead James Madison to a 78-57 victory over Gardner-Webb on Thursday night.

Bowles, a transfer from Texas A&M playing in his second game for the Dukes (5-4), was 17-for-25 from the field and helped James Madison dominate the second half and win for the first time in three games.

The Dukes gradually built their lead from a two-point halftime advantage to 47-41 on Bowles’ layup with 12:09 remaining. Alioune Diouf scored on a layup and Bowles came through with another basket for a 51-41 advantage with 11:16 left.

James Madison scored 56 of its points in the paint and made just three shots outside the lane.

Gardner-Webb (3-6) lost its sixth straight game, its longest losing streak since joining Division I in 2000-01.

Darren White added 22 points for James Madison.

C.J. Hailey led Gardner-Webb with 19 points.