James Madison vs Arkansas Prediction 12/29/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks
Chris Ruffolo
Dec 20, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) tries to drive past Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) during the first half at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
MATCHUP
James Madison Dukes
Arkansas Razorbacks
Team Records
7-6
9-3
Spread
+23.5 -102
-23.5 -118
Moneyline
+2500
-9000
Total
Over 161.5 (-105)
Under 161.5 (-115)
Where
Bud Walton Arena, Fayetteville, AR
When
Monday, December 29, 2025
Time
08:00 PM EST
TV
SECN+
The James Madison Dukes and the Arkansas Razorbacks meet Monday in college basketball action from the Bud Walton Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a James Madison Dukes vs. Arkansas Razorbacks prediction.
James Madison Dukes Recap
The James Madison Dukes come into this game looking to rebound from a 96-92 loss at the hands of Georgia Southern last time out to sit at 7-6 this season. After this game, James Madison will head on the road for a game against Arkansas State.
Dukes Drop Back-To-Back Games
Justin McBride leads the Dukes in scoring with 17.2 PPG along with 5.8 RPG while Bradley Douglas has 14.6 PPG with 4.6 APG to lead James Madison in assists. Cliff Davis has 12.2 PPG with 2.9 RPG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for JMU so far this season. Eddie Ricks III has 8.1 PPG with a team-high 6.8 RPG and Gabe Newhof’s added 8.1 PPG with 3.5 RPG as well this season. As a team, James Madison is averaging 75.8 PPG on 44.3% shooting from the field, 34.6% from three and 72.1% from the foul line this season.
Arkansas Razorbacks Recap
The Arkansas Razorbacks come into this game looking to bounce back from a 94-85 loss at the hands of Houston last time out to sit at 9-3 this season. After this game, Arkansas will take on Tennessee at home.
Razorbacks Have Four-Game Win Streak Snapped
Darius Acuff Jr. leads Arkansas in scoring and assists with 18.9 PPG and 6.2 APG in addition to 3.3 RPG while Meleek Thomas has 14.2 PPG with 3.8 RPG and 3.2 APG this season. Trevon Brazile has 14.2 PPG with a team-high 7 RPG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for Arkansas so far this season as Arkansas’ top rebounder. Karter Knox has 9.2 PPG with 5.2 RPG and Billy Richmond III has 9 PPG with 3.7 RPG and Malique Ewin has 8.5 PPG with 4.3 RPG. D.J. Wagner has 8.4 PPG with 2.8 APG as well this season. As a team, Arkansas is averaging 89.5 PPG on 48.7% shooting from the field, 38.3% from three and 75.4% from the foul line this season.
James Madison Dukes @ Arkansas Razorbacks Betting Trends: December 29, 2025
Why the Arkansas Razorbacks will win
Arkansas has won each of its last 19 games against non-Conference opponents at Bud Walton Arena.
James Madison has lost seven of its last eight road games.
Arkansas has won the first half in each of its last 11 games as an AP-ranked team at Bud Walton Arena.
Why the James Madison Dukes will win
James Madison has won each of its last four night games against non-Conference opponents.
James Madison has won the first half in each of its last four games against non-Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
Each of James Madison’s last 10 games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 155 or fewer points.
Each of Arkansas’ last four games at Bud Walton Arena have produced a total of 167+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
Arkansas is one of only three teams to reach the Sweet 16 in each of its last four NCAA Tournament appearances.
Arkansas ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (4.5).
James Madison ranks T31st among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (5.1).
James Madison Dukes vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Prediction
I’m on the Razorbacks here. I get the case to be made for JMU but this isn’t the same James Madison team of year’s past. This Dukes team hasn’t been very good this season and if there’s one takeaway I’ve had with Arkansas this year, it’s that the Hogs have had no problem drilling these inferior teams they’ve gone up against. I think this is another one of those spots so I’ll back Arkansas here.