James Madison vs Texas State

James Madison enters this matchup riding a three-game win streak, while Texas State has lost four of its last five, putting the momentum squarely in the Dukes’ favor. The Bobcats are also dealing with the absence of starting center, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury, leaving a significant gap in their interior defense. Terrence Edwards of the Dukes has historically performed well against Texas State, averaging 18 points over their last three meetings, and could be a difference-maker here. With James Madison eyeing a stronger conference position and Texas State struggling to find consistency, the Dukes should have the edge in this contest. At -120, this isn’t the most lucrative bet, but the current trends and Texas State’s roster limitations make James Madison a solid play.

James Madison enters this matchup struggling offensively, failing to crack 65 points in three of their last four games amid their two-game skid. Meanwhile, Texas State has played their last three contests under the total, leaning on their defense to stay competitive during their four-game losing streak. Injuries also play a role here, as James Madison's leading scorer has been nursing a lingering ankle issue, limiting his efficiency. Given Texas State's methodical pace and James Madison's recent shooting struggles, the under looks appealing. The Bobcats have historically held the Dukes below their season scoring average, which further supports a lower-scoring outcome. While the total isn’t extraordinarily generous, the consistency of these trends makes this a solid bet with a B+ value.

James Madison has shown signs of dominance lately, riding a three-game winning streak, while Texas State has dropped four of its last five, struggling to regain its early-season form. Adding to the Bobcats’ woes, their leading scorer remains questionable with an ankle injury, potentially limiting their offensive firepower. On the other hand, the Dukes have been particularly strong on the road this season, covering the spread in four of their last five away games. Historically, James Madison has fared well against Sun Belt competition, and with the Bobcats failing to cover in their last three conference matchups, backing the Dukes as a narrow favorite holds solid betting value. Expect James Madison to control the tempo and pull away late, making this pick a strong B+ play.