James Madison 68, LIU Brooklyn 55: A.J. Davis scored 20 points as the Dukes downed the Blackbirds in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Dayton, Ohio.

Freshman guard Andre Nation added 14 points, seven rebounds, five blocks and four assists for James Madison (21-14), which plays top-seeded Indiana in Friday’s second round of the East Regional. Charles Cooke tallied 15 points and Rayshawn Goins grabbed a team-high eight second-half rebounds, including five on the offensive end.

Northeast Conference Player of the Year Jamal Olasewere paced LIU Brooklyn (20-14) with 20 points and 10 rebounds despite early foul trouble. C.J. Garner fought off an early ankle sprain and finished with 16 points.

The Dukes took advantage of the Blackbirds’ carelessness early, turning eight first-half turnovers into 15 points to build a 12-point advantage on two occasions, the last coming at 30-18 with 4:11 left before the break. However, LIU Brooklyn made its final six shots – including three 3-pointers – after starting the half 8-for-23 to close within 32-31 at intermission.

The Blackbirds took their first lead at 40-39 on two free throws from E.J. Reed before Nation and Davis each converted layups during an 8-0 run. Olasewere converted a layup of his own to draw LIU Brooklyn within 54-51 with 8:02 left, but the Blackbirds made only two field goals the rest of the way while James Madison closed the game on a 14-4 run.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Goins sat out the first half as coach Matt Brady suspended his leading scorer following his arrest over the weekend on charges of disorderly conduct and obstructing justice. He finished with four points. … Olasewere posted his 13th double-double of the season. … LIU Brooklyn entered Wednesday averaging 80 points, but was held to a season-low point total.