The James Madison Dukes (8-12, 1-8 CAA) will try to put an end to their six-game losing streak when they go head-to-head with the Charleston Cougars (12-9, 6-3 CAA) at JMU Convocation Center. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 6:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 30, 2020.
Charleston Cougars vs. James Madison Dukes ATS Prediction
In the Cougars’ last game, they were defeated by the UNCW Seahawks, 72-70. One of UNCW’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 33 free throw attempts, while Charleston had just 16. Grant Riller was Charleston’s leading scorer with 16 points on 5-for-12 shooting.
The Dukes fell to the Elon Phoenix in their last outing, 82-73. Elon’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over James Madison. The Phoenix had a rate of 10.0 (better than their season average of 15.6), while the Dukes posted a mark of 16.1. With 33 points on 9-for-16 shooting, Matt Lewis was the top scorer from either team.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Riller scored a game-high 31 points in the first matchup, in which the Cougars defeated the Dukes 85-69. He also recorded nine rebounds. Charleston did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (18-23; 78.3 percent). James Madison, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.9 vs. 25.9).
This contest should be a battle of conflicting paces. James Madison has preferred to play up-tempo (27th in possessions per game), while Charleston has been slower-paced (291st in possessions per game). The Cougars should have an edge in terms of ball security. They rank 35th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.8 percent), while the Dukes force the 12th-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 16.1 percent).
Charleston at James Madison Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – James Madison, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
James Madison ranks 29th in rebounds per game (39.8) while Charleston ranks 201st (34.3).
The Cougars rank 123rd in three pointers allowed per game (21.3) while the Dukes rank 257th (25.9).
James Madison ranks 178th in assists per game (12.4) while Charleston ranks 241st (10.7).
The Dukes average 3.5 blocks per game, which ranks 100th in the country. The Cougars rank 127th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
Charleston is 28th in the nation with 5.2 steals allowed per game while James Madison is 40th with 5.5 steals allowed per game.
The Cougars have been outscored by an average of 1.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Charleston has defeated opponents by an average of 3.0 points.
During their last five games, the Dukes have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (2.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 79.4 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
