South Alabama vs James Madison Prediction 1/22/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a South Alabama vs James Madison Prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 22nd. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

James Madison Dukes Preview

James Madison Dukes have a 9-10 record this season and are in the 13th place of the Sun Belt. They have a 2-5 conference record and are coming off a 77-72 away win against Marshall. Their previous three games were an 80-65 away loss against App State, a 70-69 home win against Old Dominion and a 66-64 home win against Marshall.

Offensively, James Madison averages 74.2 points per game, while allowing 76.7 points per game defensively. The Dukes shoot with 44% from the field and grab 36.2 rebounds per game, while dishing out 13.1 assists per game. They average 4.9 blocks per game and 5.5 steals per game defensively.

Justin McBride leads James Madison in scoring, with an average of 16.6 points per game, while shooting with 48% from the field and 80% from the free throw line. Eddie Ricks III is the team’s leading rebounder with 6.3 per game. Bradley Douglas leads the team in assists with 4.4 per game.

South Alabama Jaguars Preview

South Alabama Jaguars have a 13-6 record this season and are in the 4th place of the Sun Belt. They have a 4-3 conference record and are coming off a 59-56 home win against Louisiana. Their previous three games were a 91-87 overtime home win against Arkansas State, an 87-71 home win against Georgia Southern and a 59-49 away loss against Troy.

Offensively, South Alabama averages 73.9 points per game, while allowing 68 points per game defensively. The Jaguars shoot with 47% from the field and grab 36.6 rebounds per game, while dishing out 11.3 assists per game. They average 2.5 blocks per game and 8.1 steals per game defensively.

Chaze Harris leads South Alabama in scoring, with an average of 18.1 points per game, while shooting with 53.4% from the field and 57.2% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 4.6 assists. Randy Brady is the team’s leading rebounder with 6.5 per game.

South Alabama Jaguars @ James Madison Dukes Betting Trends: January 22, 2026

Why the James Madison Dukes will win

• James Madison has won 22 of its last 23 night games at Atlantic Union Bank Center.
• James Madison has won the first half in each of its last 10 Thursday home games against Conference opponents.

Why the South Alabama Jaguars will win

• South Alabama has won each of its last eight night games against Conference opponents.
• James Madison has lost each of its last five night games against Conference opponents.
• James Madison has lost the first half in each of its last four games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of James Madison’s last four home games have produced a total of 139 or fewer points.
• Five of South Alabama’s last six night games have produced a total of 152+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• James Madison ranks 356th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (9.3).
• James Madison ranks 31st among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (4.9).
• South Alabama ranks 365th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (12.3).
• South Alabama ranks 365th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (39.7).

South Alabama vs James Madison Prediction

In this South Alabama vs James Madison Prediction, James Madison is coming as -3 home favorites. South Alabama has been the better team this season and have been above average on the road, while James Madison has been almost perfect at home. James Madison has not been in the best form lately, as they are 2-6 in their last 8 games and 2-8 against the spread, while South Alabama is 4-2 both straight up and against the spread in its last 6 games. South Alabama also has a far better defense, allowing 8.7 points per game less than James Madison, so I like them as road dogs as I expect them to keep this one close. Take South Alabama and get the +3 points.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: South Alabama +3