The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (12-18, 5-12 CAA) will bring the regular season to a conclusion when they meet the James Madison Dukes (9-20, 5-11 CAA) at Bob Carpenter Center Acierno Arena. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 140 points with Delaware set as a 2.5-point favorite. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018.
James Madison Dukes vs. Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens Free Preview
The last time the Dukes played, they were beaten by the Hofstra Pride, 77-61. With 23 points on 8-for-15 shooting, Matt Lewis was the top scorer from either team. Hofstra had a free throw rate of 0.348 (above their season average of 0.243). James Madison, on the other hand, held the Pride to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.4 (below their season average of 31.9).
The Fightin’ Blue Hens are hoping for a better outcome after their 85-83 loss to the Drexel Dragons in their last outing. With 15 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, Delaware’s Eric Carter put together a good outing. Drexel held the Fightin’ Blue Hens to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.6 (below their season average of 28.4). Delaware, on the other hand, was lights out from beyond the arc (11-25; 44.0 percent).
James Madison could have a difficult time creating turnovers. Delaware ranks 35th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.3 percent), while James Madison forces the 152nd-most turnovers (19.4 percent).
Of James Madison’s 27 games with betting action, 16 have finished over the O/U total, while 12 of Delaware’s 24 games have finished over the O/U total. The Fightin’ Blue Hens have the better straight up (SU) record (12-18 vs. 9-20), but the Dukes hold the sizable advantage against the spread (ATS) (13-13-1 vs. 12-11-1).
Carter has really been playing well over the last five games for Delaware, averaging 11.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined for 121 points in that game, which was well under the projected point total of 140.5. The Fightin’ Blue Hens won 61-60, covering as 4-point underdogs. The Fightin’ Blue Hens played a nearly flawless game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.298 and a turnover percentage of 11.8. For those same stats, the Dukes recorded marks of 0.188 and 13.3, respectively. Ryan Daly was the games top overall scorer with 19 points.
James Madison Dukes at Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens Odds Prediction
Pick: SU Winner – James Madison, ATS Winner – James Madison, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Dukes rank 224th in assists per game (12.1) while the Fightin’ Blue Hens rank 238th (11.7).
- James Madison is 8-5-1 ATS on the road, while Delaware is 7-5 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 8 of the Dukes 14 road games, while 6 of the Fightin’ Blue Hens 12 home games have gone over.
- James Madison ranks 42nd in steals per game (7.4) while Delaware ranks 211th (5.1).
- The Dukes rank 170th in three pointers attempted per game (21.5) while the Fightin’ Blue Hens rank 274th (17.8).
- Delaware ranks 151st in rebounds per game (35.3) while James Madison ranks 205th in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
Betting Trends:
- Delaware is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, James Madison is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Fightin’ Blue Hens’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 2.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Dukes have scored an average of 69.8 points per game (3.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.6 points per game (4.0 below their season average).
