Charleston, SC -- (Sports Network) - In the first round of the Jim 'N Nick's Cougar Classic at Kresse Arena, James Madison upended the South Carolina State Bulldogs, 84-75, as Pierre Curtis led five Dukes in double digits with 16 points.

The Dukes (8-2) have now won six out of their last seven games, as Kyle Swanston added 15 points for the victors. Juwann James and Terrance Carter contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively, in the win. Abdulai Jalloh made up for a 1-for-8 shooting day from the field by hitting all 10 of his free throws en route to putting up 12 points.

Jason Johnson was a perfect 5-of-5 from the field, but made only 5-of-15 from the charity stripe in leading South Carolina State (4-9) with 15 points. Jessie Burton was also 5-of-5 from the field in tallying 14 points, and Robert Baker added 13 points in the loss.

James Madison led 48-32 at halftime behind 55.6 percent shooting from the field and a 13-of-17 effort a the foul line in the first half.

South Carolina State shot 50.0 percent from the field in the second half, but the Dukes nail 18-of-23 free-throw attempts to secure the nine-point win.

The game was sloppy on both ends of the floor, as James Madison and South Carolina State turned the ball over 25 times apiece.

The Dukes will now take on the College of Charleston in the championship game of this event on Sunday.