James Madison Dukes vs Old Dominion Monarchs Picks & Predictions Wednesday, December 17, 2025
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If you’re looking for free college basketball picks, this Sun Belt opener between James Madison and Old Dominion is a rivalry-style matchup that’s closer than the records suggest, especially with the Monarchs playing at home in Norfolk.
James Madison Dukes Breakdown
James Madison enters at 7–4 overall and riding a two-game winning streak, but this will be their first Sun Belt road test of the season. The Dukes average 75.1 points per game while allowing 74.2, a profile that points to tight, grind-it-out contests rather than blowouts. Their identity is built on balance, rim protection, and efficient half-court execution.
Offensively, Justin McBride is the clear leader, averaging 17.3 PPG on an impressive 51.2% shooting. McBride has been in excellent form recently, including a 33-point outing that highlights his ability to take over stretches of a game. James Madison doesn’t play fast, but they are disciplined, sharing the ball well enough (14.4 assists per game) and attacking mismatches when defenses overcommit.
Defensively, JMU’s biggest strength is inside, where they average 5.2 blocks per game, one of the better marks in the Sun Belt. That rim protection allows perimeter defenders to play more aggressively, although turnovers and rebounding lapses have occasionally hurt them on the road. Their recent wins over Norfolk State and NCCU show a team comfortable winning close games, which matters in a hostile environment.
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Old Dominion Monarchs Breakdown
Old Dominion comes in at 3–8 overall and on a five-game losing streak, but the Monarchs have been far more competitive than that skid suggests. They average 74.0 points per game while allowing 78.1, and several recent losses came against stronger competition away from home. Returning to Chartway Arena could provide a much-needed reset.
The Monarchs rely heavily on Jordan Battle, who leads the team with 12.9 PPG and shoots 85.2% from the free-throw line. While Old Dominion lacks a true go-to scorer at McBride’s level, they compensate with physicality and rebounding, pulling down 35.6 rebounds per game, nearly identical to JMU’s numbers.
Defensively, Old Dominion does struggle protecting the paint, averaging just 3.5 blocks per game, and that’s an area James Madison will try to exploit. However, the Monarchs tend to slow games down at home, forcing opponents into longer possessions and contested shots. Their recent losses have largely come on the road, and this matchup represents one of their best chances to snap the skid.
Prediction & Best Bets
This game profiles as a tight, physical Sun Belt battle rather than a high-scoring affair. James Madison is the more consistent and better-coached team, but Old Dominion’s home-court advantage and desperation factor matter here. The Monarchs are overdue for a competitive performance, while JMU has not been dominant away from home. Betting on sports and on James Madison is easy, but even easier if you use the best sportsbooks. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Old Dominion with the social sportsbooks. Getting the most out of your bets on Old Dominion vs James Madison can be done by using the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
With the spread sitting around Old Dominion -1.5 and a total near 149.5, the value appears stronger on the under and the home side in a close finish.
Best Pick: Old Dominion Monarchs -1.5
Lean: Under 149.5 total points
Final Score Prediction: Old Dominion 76, James Madison 72
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