James Madison vs Troy Pick – Basketball Predictions & Odds 3/4/23
Troy Trojans (20-12) vs. James Madison Dukes (21-9)
March 4, 2023 3:00 pm EDT
The Line: James Madison Dukes -2.5 / Troy Trojans +2.5 ; Over/Under: 143
(Get latest betting odds)
The Troy Trojans and the James Madison Dukes meet Saturday in Sun Belt Tournament college basketball action from Pensacola Bay Center. Troy comes into this one at 20-12 overall. The Trojans beat Arkansas State in their Thursday tournament matchup. As for James Madison, they’re 21-10 on the year after a win over Georgia State last week. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Troy Trojans
The Trojans posted a 13-11 run over the first 24 outings of the season. Troy finished off the year with a nice 6-1 run, taking wins over Texas State, South Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas State, LA Monroe and Coastal Carolina in that time.
On Thursday in the Sun Belt Tournament matchup versus Arkansas State, Troy was down 34-30 going into the second half. The Trojans posted a 33-25 run from there to take the comeback win 63-59, though. Zay Williams (15 points; 11 rebounds) and Nelson Phillips (13 points; 14 rebounds) each doubled up.
JMU Dukes
Over on the James Madison side, they went 16-8 over their first 24 games this year. The Dukes finished off the regular season with a 5-2 stretch, beating App State, Coastal Carolina, Old Dominion, Louisiana and Georgia State in that time.
Back on February 24 against Georgia State, the Dukes took a 40-34 deficit into the locker room. James Madison managed a 56-29 run from there and won it 90-69. Vado Morse topped the team on 19 points and Alonzo Sule added 16 points and 12 rebounds.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m going to take a stab on Troy. The Trojans are rolling along nicely these days, posting a 7-1 record over their last eight appearances. Troy had a bit of trouble putting away Arkansas State in their tournament game but it all worked out in the end. The last time these teams met up back on January 19 was a tight game. James Madison ended up with an 89-87 victory at Trojan Arena in that one, recovering from a seven-point halftime deficit to win in overtime. With James Madison being inactive for over a week, Troy may have some early opportunities against a rusty opponent. This one should be a competitive affair regardless though. It’ll be a fun watch.
