On a slick Tuesday night in Miami, James Madison turned the Ocean Bank Convocation Center into a three-point shooting gallery, blasting Omaha Mavericks 88-77 in a performance that screamed postseason potential. Justin McBride, the Dukes’ explosive guard, dropped 24 points — his second straight 20+ game — while his teammates buried 17 of 30 from beyond the arc. That’s not just hot. That’s furnace-level. The win wasn’t just about scoring; it was about rhythm. James Madison never trailed after the first media timeout, and by halftime, they’d built a 16-point cushion that Omaha could never claw back, despite five players hitting double figures.
Omaha’s Fight in the Face of Odds
For the Omaha Mavericks, this wasn’t a collapse — it was a war they fought with grit. Guard Lance Waddles came within one rebound of a triple-double: 18 points, 10 boards, seven assists. He was the engine, the heartbeat. Khamani Cooper added 16, Christian Richardson 11, and Tony Osburn and Grant Stubblefield each chipped in 10. But when you shoot 49.2% from the field and still lose by 11, you know you’re missing something bigger. Three-point defense. Rebounding margin. Clutch execution. Omaha had the talent. They just didn’t have the answers when it mattered.
Their next game — a 1 p.m. CT tip against Florida International University (FIU) on Wednesday, November 26 — felt less like a chance to salvage pride and more like a test of resilience. ESPN+ carried the game, and local radio station 1290 KOIL kept Omaha fans plugged in. But the bigger story? What happened next.
The Players Era Festival Takes Center Stage
While Omaha and James Madison battled in Miami, the real tournament fireworks were about to explode at the 2025 Players Era FestivalMiami. Expanded this year to 18 men’s teams — up from 12 last season — the event had become college basketball’s unofficial November crown jewel. Teams like No. 15 Iowa State, No. 3 Houston, and No. 17 Tennessee had already played their first two games on Monday and Tuesday. Only the 2-0 squads advanced to Wednesday’s bracket.
By Wednesday night, the stakes were sky-high. No. 7 Michigan faced No. 12 Gonzaga for the title at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT. Meanwhile, No. 14 St. John’s battled No. 21 Auburn at 8 p.m. on truTV. The final game of the night? Baylor vs. San Diego State at 10:30 p.m. — a matchup that could decide NCAA Tournament seeding for both.
And then there was Oregon. The defending champs, now 1-1, were set to face Creighton on Thursday — a game that could make or break their March hopes. The festival’s tiebreakers — point differential first, then points scored, then points allowed — turned every possession into a life-or-death calculation.
NBA Nights and National Team Roster Drops
While college fans were glued to screens in Miami, the NBA didn’t sleep. On November 24, the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers clashed in a bruising, high-stakes showdown that had L.A. buzzing. The New York Knicks edged the Brooklyn Nets in overtime, and the Orlando Magic stunned the Philadelphia 76ers with a 28-point fourth quarter. All of it happened while the USA Basketball men’s roster for the 2025 World Cup Qualifiers quietly dropped — no names released yet, but insiders say at least five NBA rotation players are in the mix. This isn’t just exhibition. This is Olympic cycle prep.
The Cathedral Classic and Other Quiet Battles
Far from the ESPN glare, La Salle Explorers were preparing for the Cathedral Classic. Friday night’s 2 p.m. ET showdown against Hofstra University was their first real test after a slow start to the season. Saturday’s game against the University of Pennsylvania Quakers — a historic Ivy League rival — carried even more weight. For La Salle, this isn’t about March Madness. It’s about rebuilding identity. And in a season where mid-major programs are fighting for relevance, every win matters.
What Led to This?
James Madison’s 55.2% shooting and 56.7% three-point accuracy didn’t come from luck. Head coach Mark Byington has spent the last 18 months reshaping their offense around spacing and motion. They’ve got four players averaging over 14 points. McBride? He’s not just a scorer — he’s a playmaker who draws double teams and finds open shooters. Omaha? They’re still searching for their identity after losing their top two scorers from last year. Waddles is carrying them, but they need more. The Players Era Festival? It’s become the new March Madness preview — a brutal gauntlet that separates contenders from pretenders before December even begins.
What’s Next?
James Madison heads home to Harrisonburg with momentum. Omaha? They’ll need to beat FIU, then regroup fast. The next 10 days will define their season. For Michigan and Gonzaga, Wednesday’s final isn’t just a trophy — it’s a statement to the NCAA Selection Committee. And for USA Basketball? The roster announcement is coming. When it drops, expect names like Anthony Black, Zach Edey, and perhaps even a surprise from the G League. This isn’t November anymore. This is the prelude to March.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did James Madison’s three-point shooting compare to other teams in the Players Era Festival?
James Madison’s 56.7% from three (17-of-30) was the highest single-game mark in the 2025 Players Era Festival through Tuesday. Only three other teams — including No. 3 Houston and No. 12 Gonzaga — shot better than 50% in any game, and none did so with more attempts. Their volume and efficiency set a new benchmark for the tournament.
Who is Justin McBride, and why is he so important to James Madison?
Justin McBride, a 6’3” senior guard, transferred to James Madison from a mid-major program in 2023 and has become their offensive engine. He’s averaging 21.4 points and 5.8 assists this season, with a 48% three-point clip. His ability to create his own shot and draw defenders opens the floor for teammates — making him the focal point of coach Mark Byington’s motion offense.
Why does the Players Era Festival matter for NCAA Tournament seeding?
The tournament’s high-profile matchups and national TV exposure give teams a chance to build resume wins against top-25 opponents. A win over a top-10 team like Houston or Michigan can elevate a program’s NET ranking by 15+ spots. Last year, Oregon’s title run vaulted them into the top 10 — and they ended up as a No. 2 seed.
What’s the significance of Omaha’s 18-10-7 line from Lance Waddles?
A near triple-double against a ranked-caliber opponent is rare in November. Waddles became the first Omaha player since 2019 to record 18+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 7+ assists in a single game. That kind of all-around performance signals he’s ready for a breakout season — and could be the difference-maker if Omaha makes a deep run in the Missouri Valley Conference.
How does USA Basketball’s roster announcement impact college players?
The 2025 World Cup Qualifiers serve as a proving ground for NBA hopefuls. Players like Texas’ Adonis Arms and Creighton’s Trey Townsend — both underclassmen — are rumored to be in contention. Making the roster can boost draft stock significantly. Last cycle, five players selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft were on the 2023 qualifiers team.
Why was the FIU Miami Tournament (MTE) held in Miami if FIU was one of the teams?
The MTE is a neutral-site event hosted by FIU but held at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center — a venue they share with other Miami-area schools. It’s a revenue generator and a chance to attract national attention. This year, FIU didn’t make the final two, but the tournament still drew over 7,200 fans — a season high for the program.
