The James Madison Dukes (8-6, 1-2 CAA) will be at TD Arena to clash against the Charleston Cougars (9-6, 3-0 CAA) in a CAA matchup. The game begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
James Madison Dukes at Charleston Cougars Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Cougars defeated the Towson Tigers 81-69, while the Dukes beat the UNCW Seahawks 64-60.
James Madison played a nearly perfect game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.294 (above their season average of 0.238) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.1 (above their season average of 24.9). UNCW was 0.136 and 23.1, respectively, for those same stats. The Cougars, on the other hand, had a phenomenally low turnover percentage of 2.7 (better than their season average of 15.9) and held the Tigers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.415 (below their season average of 0.471). Charleston was led by Grant Riller, who contributed 28 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Dwight Wilson had a good outing for James Madison, finishing with 11 points and 15 rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Cougars won the most recent game 70-53. Charleston’s 0.255 free throw rate was their largest strength over James Madison, who had a rate of 0.088. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Charleston could put on a ball-control clinic in this meeting. Charleston ranks 40th in the country at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent), while James Madison forces the -1st-fewest turnovers (14.5 percent). Conflicting styles will be on display in this meeting. The up-tempo Dukes rank 29th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Cougars rank 289th.
James Madison Dukes vs. Charleston Cougars Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Charleston, ATS Winner – Charleston, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- James Madison ranks 18th in rebounds per game (41.6) while Charleston ranks 218th (33.7).
- The Cougars are 26th in the NCAA with 5.3 steals allowed per game while the Dukes are 46th with 5.6 steals allowed per game.
- The Cougars rank 107th in three pointers allowed per game (21.2) while the Dukes rank 248th (27.6).
- James Madison averages 3.7 blocks per game, which ranks 80th in the NCAA. Charleston ranks 125th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.4, up from 3.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Dukes have scored an average of 73.6 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.8 points per game (3.6 below their season average).
