The James Madison Dukes (32-3) are set to challenge the Duke Blue Devils (25-8) in a thrilling NCAA Tournament showdown. With both teams coming off convincing first-round victories, this matchup promises to be a battle of wits and skill as they vie for a spot in the Sweet 16.
James Madison Dukes vs. Duke Blue Devils Odds Info
Moneyline: James Madison Dukes +250 (PointsBet) / Duke Blue Devils -300 (Bet365)
Spread: -7.5 – James Madison Dukes -110 (BetMGM) / Duke Blue Devils -105 (FanDuel)
Total: 148.5 – -110 (FanDuel) / -105 (BetMGM)
Game Info
Date: Sunday, Mar. 24
Time: 04:15 PM
Location: Barclays Center – Brooklyn, NY
TV: CBS
James Madison Dukes Betting Trends
- On the road, James Madison Dukes are 12 and 2 this season.
- Against the spread this season, James Madison Dukes are 19 and 14.
- Against the spread on the road, James Madison Dukes are 9 and 7.
Duke Blue Devils Betting Trends
- At home, Duke Blue Devils are 15 and 3 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Duke Blue Devils are 18 and 14.
- Against the spread at home, Duke Blue Devils are 13 and 8.
James Madison Dukes vs. Duke Blue Devils Predictions
The James Madison Dukes enter the game with an impressive 32-3 record, including a 14-game winning streak that they’ll be eager to extend. Their offense, ranked 7th nationally with an average of 84.0 points per game, is spearheaded by guard Terrence Edwards Jr., who leads the team with 17.3 points per game. The Dukes have shown they can light up the scoreboard and will look to exploit any defensive weaknesses in the Blue Devils’ armor.
Duke, on the other hand, boasts a solid 25-8 record and is coming off a strong defensive performance in their first-round game. With a balanced attack and a field goal percentage of 48.0 (28th nationally), the Blue Devils rely on the prowess of center Kyle Filipowski, who averages 16.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Their ability to control the paint and maintain defensive intensity will be key factors in this contest.
This game will likely come down to key player matchups and execution on both ends of the floor. James Madison’s ability to force turnovers and push the pace could clash with Duke’s disciplined approach and efficient scoring. As both teams have demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure, this second-round game is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable battles of the tournament.
James Madison Dukes vs. Duke Blue Devils Pick
The James Madison Dukes have been on an absolute tear, winning their last 14 games and showcasing an offense that can compete with the best. Their ability to score from both inside and beyond the arc, averaging 84.0 points per game, makes them a formidable opponent for any team. With a moneyline of +250, the value is too good to pass up, especially considering their recent form and the potential for high returns. The Dukes have also proven they can handle the pressure of big games, having already taken down notable opponents this season, which bodes well for their matchup against Duke.
While Duke is a storied program with a strong record, their recent performances have shown some vulnerability, particularly in their ability to close out games. James Madison’s aggressive defense, which has been effective in forcing turnovers, could disrupt Duke’s rhythm and create scoring opportunities for the Dukes. Given the high stakes of the NCAA Tournament, where upsets are not uncommon, betting on the James Madison Dukes’ moneyline is a calculated risk with the potential for a significant payoff, making it the right pick for this game.
The Pick: James Madison Dukes +250 (PointsBet)
