Friday watch guide: two WNBA closeout chances and JMU’s immediate rematch

Friday’s schedule begins with James Madison returning to Marshall and ends with two WNBA teams trying to finish their semifinal series on the road. All times below are Eastern. The games are scheduled for Friday, October 9.

JMU at Marshall — 3 p.m.

The Dukes return to Huntington, West Virginia, one day after winning a five-set match that required them to recover from losing a two-set lead. Kennedy Louisell finished Thursday with 34 kills and 19 digs. JMU won the deciding set 15–12 and improved to 10–5 overall and 5–0 in the Sun Belt.

The immediate rematch gives Marshall another opportunity against the same opponent. Thursday’s result establishes the starting context; it does not establish Friday’s outcome.

Atlanta at New York — 7:30 p.m., ESPN2

Atlanta brings a 2–0 lead in the best-of-five semifinal to Barclays Center. One more Dream victory would end the series and send Atlanta to the WNBA Finals. New York needs a win to extend its season.

The Liberty therefore face a different task from the visitors: survive Game 3 before trying to change the series. Atlanta can close the matchup without returning home.

Golden State at Las Vegas — 9:30 p.m., Peacock / NBC Sports Network

The Valkyries also lead their semifinal 2–0. They travel to Las Vegas needing one more victory to advance, while the Aces must win to keep the series alive.

Golden State’s official preview lists a 6:30 p.m. Pacific tipoff, which is 9:30 p.m. Eastern. Both WNBA games are semifinal Game 3s.