The Old Dominion Monarchs (1-0) and the James Madison Dukes (1-0), who both like to play slow, will battle at JMU Convocation Center. Old Dominion is a 4.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 125.5 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Monday, November 13, 2017.
Old Dominion Monarchs at James Madison Dukes Betting Preview
The Monarchs edged the Towson Tigers in their last game, 57-54, but failed to cover as 5-point favorites. B.J. Stith was Old Dominions leading scorer with 15 points on 7-for-12 shooting. The Monarchs had a much better turnover percentage (11.2 vs. 20.7) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.440 vs. 0.400). The two teams combined to score 111 points, which was well under the projected point total of 141.5.
In the Dukes last matchup, they blew out the Bridgewater (VA) Eagles, 80-50. James Madison received a boost from Stuckey Mosley, who was the games leading scorer with 22 points on 8-for-14 shooting. James Madison dominated every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.286 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 56.4. For those same stats, Bridgewater (VA) recorded marks of 0.148 and 29.5, respectively.
The ineffective offense of James Madison will go head-to-head against the top-notch defense of Old Dominion. Since last season, the Dukes rank 251st in offensive efficiency, while the Monarchs are 18th in defensive efficiency. The Monarchs figure to have the edge on that end of the court. Additionally, the Monarchs rank 27th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.0 percent), while the Dukes rank 34th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.8 percent).
The Monarchs have had a solid 20-12 straight up (SU) record since last season, but are just 13-18 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of Old Dominion games have finished under the projected point total since last season.
Meanwhile, the Dukes, have records of 11-23 SU and 11-16-2 ATS since last season. Games including James Madison have had a tendency to finish over the O/U total over that same time frame (55.2 percent).
The Monarchs won the lone game against the Dukes last season, 62-55. The Monarchs dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.281 and a turnover percentage of 10.4. For those same stats, the Dukes were 0.132 and 21.4, respectively.
Old Dominion Monarchs at James Madison Dukes Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – James Madison, ATS Winner – James Madison, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Monarchs rank 159th in assists per game (13.5) while the Dukes rank 264th (11.6).
- James Madison ranks 15th in rebounds allowed per game (31.0) while Old Dominion ranks 66th (33.2).
- Old Dominion ranks 75th in three pointers allowed per game (19.4) while James Madison ranks 257th (23.0).
- The Monarchs rank 34th in blocks per game (4.8) while the Dukes rank 206th (2.7).
- Old Dominion ranks 25th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while James Madison ranks 160th (6.3).
