James Madison Dukes at Arkansas Razorbacks, Picks and Prediction for Monday, December 29, 2025
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The James Madison Dukes (7-6) travel to Fayetteville, Arkansas to face the No. 18 Arkansas Razorbacks (9-3) on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Bud Walton Arena. Get in on the action with our free NCAAB picks.
James Madison Dukes Analysis
James Madison plays with offensive balance but has struggled away from home this season. The Dukes average 75.8 points per game with shooting splits near 44.3% overall and 34.6% from three, while tallying roughly 36.2 rebounds and 13.0 assists per game. Their defense forces turnovers but has allowed solid offensive units to score with efficiency.
Team Overview and Metrics
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PPG: 75.8
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FG%: .443
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3P%: .346
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RPG: 36.2
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APG: 13.0
Strengths
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Efficient scoring: The Dukes can score in bunches and keep pace with higher-paced teams.
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Balanced contributions: Players like Cliff Davis (12.2 PPG, 2.5 3PM per game) and Justin McBride (18.7 PPG on 57.9% shooting recently) provide multiple scoring options.
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Steady playmaking: JMU’s assist numbers reflect competent ball movement against most mid-major defenses.
Weaknesses
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Road struggles: The Dukes are 1-6 on the road, finding it challenging to protect home-court advantage momentum away.
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Defensive inconsistency: Allowing nearly 76 points per game leaves little margin against elite scoring offenses.
Arkansas Razorbacks Analysis
Arkansas stands as one of the nation’s most efficient offensive teams, ranking No. 18 in the AP poll and owning an undefeated home record. The Razorbacks average 89.5 points per game, shooting efficiently with good rebounding and playmaking numbers over the last 10 outings.
Team Overview and Metrics
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PPG: 89.5
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FG%: .487
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3P%: .383
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RPG: 38.1
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APG: 17.7
Strengths
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Elite scoring: Arkansas scores at one of the highest offensive paces in the nation.
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Top playmakers: Darius Acuff Jr. leads the Razorbacks with 18.9 points and 6.2 assists per game, and Meleek Thomas adds a consistent secondary scoring punch.
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Home court dominance: Arkansas is 7-0 at home, thriving in front of its fans.
Weaknesses
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Recent loss: The Razorbacks dropped a 94-85 game to Houston, showing vulnerability against high-tempo offensive foes.
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Defensive lapses: Even with strong scoring, Arkansas allows enough points that opponents can stay competitive.
Standout Players and Key Matchups
James Madison
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Justin McBride: Leading scorer with efficient shooting and secondary creation.
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Cliff Davis: Reliable three-point threat capable of opening up defenses.
Arkansas
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Darius Acuff Jr.: Team leader in scoring and assists; a dynamic guard presence.
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Meleek Thomas: Provides scoring consistency and shot creation.
James Madison vs Arkansas Prediction Reasoning
Arkansas’s offensive efficiency, home-court advantage, and scoring depth give them a significant edge. While James Madison’s balanced attack and recent hot shooting from McBride and Davis can keep this close for stretches, the Razorbacks’ ability to score in transition and stretch defenses with three-point shooting should wear down JMU’s defense over 40 minutes. Check out all the sportsbook promos to see if you are getting a great deal on your bets on James Madison. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Arkansas with the Kickr promo code. Make sure when you place your bet on Arkansas vs James Madison you are using the BetMGM bonus code.
Final Score Projection: Arkansas 92, James Madison 78
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