James Madison vs Southern Miss Prediction 3/5/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a James Madison vs Southern Miss prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 5th at the Pensacola Bay Center in Pensacola, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

James Madison Dukes Betting Preview

The James Madison Dukes are 18-14 (9-9) this season after they defeated Louisiana by a score of 87-72 in their last game. James Madison led 37-27 at halftime and they scored 50 points in the second half to seal the win. The Dukes shot 59% from the field, 23% on three pointers, and 77% on free throws in the game. Cliff Davis led JMU with 21 points and five rebounds, while Justin McBride added 20 points and eight rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, James Madison lost to Coastal Carolina by a score of 69-68, but did beat Georgia Southern by a score of 82-66 before that. The Dukes have scored 74.0 points per game with 36.7 rebounds and 12.6 assists per game, while they have allowed 73.5 points against per game this season. Justin McBride is averaging 15.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while Cliff Davis is averaging 15.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game for the Dukes. James Madison is shooting 44.9% from the field, 70.4% on free throws, and 35.2% on three pointers this season. 

Southern Miss Golden Eagles Betting Preview

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles are 16-15 (9-9) this year after they defeated South Alabama by a score of 68-55 in their last game. Southern Miss led 35-29 at halftime and they held South Alabama to just 26 points in the second half in the win. The Golden Eagles shot 45% from the field, 42% on three pointers, and 78% on free throws in the game. Tylik Weeks led USM with 19 points and six rebounds, while Chiante’ Tramble added 18 points and one steal in the win. 

Prior to that game, Southern Miss lost to Arkansas State by a score of 89-84, but did beat Old Dominion by a score of 86-81 before that. The Golden Eagles have scored 73.9 points per game with 36.8 rebounds and 11.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 73.5 points against per game this season. Tylik Weeks is averaging 18.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, while Djahi Binet is averaging 11.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game for the Golden Eagles. Southern Miss is shooting 45.0% from the field, 73.2% on free throws, and 30.2% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Southern Miss Golden Eagles will win

• Southern Miss has won each of its last three day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the James Madison Dukes will win

• James Madison has won seven of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Southern Miss has lost four of its last five Conference Tournament games.
• Southern Miss has lost the first half in six of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.

Total Points Facts

• Fourteen of Southern Miss’ last 15 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.
• Three of James Madison’s last four games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 145+ points.

James Madison vs Southern Miss Prediction 

Southern Miss comes into this matchup after winning three of their last four games, which includes a very impressive win over Troy. The Golden Eagles are shooting 45% from the field and they have scored 84+ points in two of their last three. James Madison has won seven of their last eight games and they have scored at least 80 points in three of their last four. Both teams are playing very well right now and they have very similar stats, but I think JMU has a slight advantage playing yesterday. Take the Dukes to win here.

David Racey's Pick: James Madison ML