Marshall vs James Madison Prediction 1/7/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Marshall vs James Madison prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, January 7th at the Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Marshall Thundering Herd Betting Preview

The Marshall Thundering Herd are 10-5 (2-1) this season after they defeated Appalachian State by a score of 88-81 in their last game. Marshall led 44-32 at halftime, but they were outscored 49-44 in the second half in the win. The Thundering Herd shot 53% from the field, 50% on three pointers, and 72% on free throws in the game. Jalen Speer led Marshall with 21 points and seven assists, while Noah Otshudi added 17 points and five rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Marshall defeated Georgia State by a score of 84-80 and a non-D1 team by a score of 102-52. The Thundering Herd have scored 80.7 points per game with 39.1 rebounds and 17.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 75.6 points against per game this season. Jalen Speer is averaging 14.8 points and 5.9 assists per game, while Wyatt Fricks is averaging 14.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game for the Thundering Herd. Marshall is shooting 46.7% from the field, 74.5% on free throws, and 36.0% on three pointers this season. 

James Madison Dukes Betting Preview

The James Madison Dukes are 8-7 (1-2) this year after they defeated Arkansas State by a score of 78-74 in their last game. James Madison led 39-34 at halftime, but they allowed 40 points in the second half in the win. The Dukes shot 53% from the field, 47% on three pointers, and 62% on free throws in the game. Cliff Davis led James Madison with 24 points and two rebounds, while Justin McBride added 21 points and seven rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, James Madison lost to Arkansas by a score of 103-74 and Georgia Southern by a score of 96-92. The Dukes have scored 75.9 points per game with 35.9 rebounds and 13.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 77.7 points against per game this season. Justin McBride is averaging 17.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, while Bradley Douglas is averaging 14.1 points and 4.4 assists per game for the Dukes. James Madison is shooting 44.6% from the field, 71.3% on free throws, and 35.4% on three pointers this year. 

Why the James Madison Dukes will win

• James Madison has won each of its last 22 night games at Atlantic Union Bank Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Marshall has lost each of its last four road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Marshall has lost the first half in each of its last five road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Marshall Thundering Herd will win

• Marshall has won five of its last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• James Madison has lost four of its last five games against the Sun Belt Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Each of James Madison’s last eight games against the Sun Belt Conference Conference at Atlantic Union Bank Center have produced a total of 151 or fewer points.
• Nine of Marshall’s last 10 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 154 or fewer points.

Marshall vs James Madison Prediction 

James Madison was able to snap their losing streak with a win in their last game and they will look to make it two in a row here. The Dukes are shooting 45% from the field, but they have allowed 103 and 96 in two of their last three games. Marshall has won four of their last five games and they have scored at least 84 points in three straight. The Thundering Herd should get plenty of open looks against this JMU defense, so I will take the points with Marshall here.

David Racey's Pick: Marshall +2.5