The Charleston Cougars (13-2, 2-0 CAA) will be at the JMU Convocation Center to meet the James Madison Dukes (7-9, 0-3 CAA) in a CAA matchup. The game begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Charleston Cougars at James Madison Dukes ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Dukes easily got past the Eastern Mennonite Royals 86-58, while the Cougars beat the Presbyterian Blue Hose 85-73.
Charleston played a nearly flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 50.0 and a turnover percentage of 8.9. Presbyterian had marks of 23.5 and 14.3, respectively, for those same stats. The Dukes, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (16.1 vs. 25.5) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (46.3 vs. 34.2). James Madison’s Darius Banks played well, putting up 22 points, nine rebounds and seven steals. Charleston rallied around Jarrell Brantley, who had 19 points and 14 rebounds.
The Cougars dominated this series last year, winning both contests. In the most recent game, Charleston won 81-78. Charleston out-rebounded James Madison. The Cougars had more offensive rebounds (15 vs. 10), defensive rebounds (26 vs. 18) and total rebounds (41 vs. 28). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Cougars’ Brantley has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Banks has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Dukes.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. James Madison currently ranks 275th in possessions per game (68.0) and Charleston is 325th (66.1).
Charleston at James Madison Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – James Madison, ATS Winner – Charleston, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Charleston ranks 21st in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while James Madison ranks 81st (3.4).
- The Cougars rank 26th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Dukes rank 85th (6.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (6.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (1.3 above their season average).
- The Dukes have outscored opponents by an average of 9.6 points in their last five games. On the season, James Madison has lost by an average of 1.5 points.
