James Madison Dukes (22-9) vs South Alabama Jaguars (18-15)
Game Info: Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 6:00 pm (Pensacola Bay Center)
Betting Odds: James Madison Dukes +1 -- Over/Under: 142 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The South Alabama Jaguars and the James Madison Dukes will meet in Pensacola to face off in the semifinals of the Sun Belt Championship at the Bay Center on ESPN+.
South Alabama moved to 18-15 after defeating Southern Miss in the quarterfinals. The Jaguars used a big second half to upset the Golden Eagles by seventeen, 78-61. scores 80.8 points per game, while allowing ppg, and shooting 46.8% from the floor.
South Alabama has played well down the stretch, and after winning seven of their last eight games, they’ll look to upset another conference leader here. Senior guard Isaiah Moore has scored 20 points or more in three of the last four games, and he leads USA in scoring (18.5) and assists (4.6). Senior center Kevin Samuel has been effective from the inside, and he leads the team in rebounding (9.1), while scoring 10.3 ppg.
James Madison improved to 22-10 after beating Troy in the quarterfinals. The Dukes held onto a slim halftime lead to down the Trojans by three, 75-72. JMU scores 80.8 points per game, while allowing ppg, and shooting 46.8% from the floor.
JMU has won five of their last six games, and they’ll look to avenge a one-point loss to the Jags here. Vado Morse runs the show again for the Dukes, and after going for 19 points in the season finale, he’s up to 12.3 ppg. Sophomore swingman Terrence Edwards posted a 27-point double-double in the win over Troy, and he leads JMU in scoring at 13.3 ppg. MSM transfer Mezie Ofurum leads the team in rebounding (5.5), while scoring 10.8 ppg.
South Alabama is 20-11 against the spread this season, with a 15-14-1 over/under record. James Madison is 18-11 ATS this year, with a 14-14-1 o/u record.
South Alabama did everyone in the Sun Belt a favor by eliminating Southern Miss from the tournament, and my JMU Dukes should be able to capitalize on that here. A one-point loss to the Jags will be fresh on the Dukes mind coming into this one, and I love the revenge play here. After not trusting Duke’s epic redemption earlier, I’ll lean on the Dukes gaining some retribution by advancing to the Sun Belt title game. JMU’s ML in this pick ‘em spot in Pensacola this Sunday.
Corey’s Pick JMU ML
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
