James Madison Dukes vs Marshall Thundering Herd NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/9/25
Betting on today’s Dukes and Thundering Herd game? Catch the action at Cam Henderson Center in Huntington, WV, as the Thundering Herd hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under for this Sun Belt conference contest is set at 142.5 points, with Marshall being favored by -1.5 at home against James Madison.
JAMES MADISON DUKES VS MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD BETTING PICK
The Pick: Marshall Thundering Herd -1.5
This game will be played at Cam Henderson Center at 7:00 ET on Thursday, January 9th.
WHY BET THE MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Thundering Herd.
- Not only will Marshall pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -1.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 142.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Will the Dukes Find a Way to Win in Huntington?
James Madison Dukes Recent Game/Games
The Dukes moved to 7-6 on the season with a 67-62 win over Arkansas State on Saturday. James Madison, a +1 underdog, not only won but also covered the spread. The total points for the game were 129, falling short of the 147.5 O/U line.
James Madison turned things around in the 2nd half, holding Arkansas State to just 23 points while scoring 34 of their own. They were down 39-33 at halftime but clamped down defensively to secure the win.
James Madison’s offense put up 67 points in their last game, shooting 40.7% from the field and 31.6% from three-point range (6/19). Their effective field goal percentage was 45.8%, and they connected on 72.2% of their free throws (13/18). The Dukes grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and dished out just 6 assists as a team.
Taryn Todd led the way with 26 points, hitting 3 of 4 from beyond the arc and shooting 52.4% overall. Xavier Brown and Elijah Hutchins-Everett both shot 58.3%, with Hutchins-Everett also making 2 of 3 from deep. Joseph Pinion added 15 points, shooting 60% from the field and 40% from three.
James Madison’s defense held their opponent to 62 points on 40% shooting from the field. They allowed 18 two-point baskets on 40 attempts, a 45% conversion rate.
From beyond the arc, the Dukes gave up 6 threes on 19 attempts, with the opponent shooting 31%. They also sent them to the free-throw line 18 times, where they hit 13 for 72%. James Madison conceded 15 offensive rebounds.
Will the Thundering Herd Live Up to Expectations at Home?
Marshall Thundering Herd Recent Game/Games
Marshall dropped to 6-8 on the season after a 58-57 home loss to Troy on Saturday. The Thundering Herd entered the game as +1.5 point underdogs and covered the spread with the narrow defeat.
Marshall led 31-19 at halftime but allowed 39 points in the 2nd half while scoring just 26. The game’s total points of 115 fell well below the 144.5 O/U line.
Marshall’s offense struggled in their last game, putting up just 57 points on 39.3% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 42.9%, and they hit only 3 of 16 from beyond the arc, shooting 18.8% from three-point range. At the free-throw line, they connected on 10 of 17 attempts, shooting 58.8%.
Obinna Anochili-Killen was efficient, hitting 8 of 12 shots for 17 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. Tayton Conerway added 20 points, shooting 8 of 15 overall and 4 of 9 from three. The Thundering Herd grabbed 16 offensive rebounds and finished with 11 assists as a team.
Marshall’s defense held their opponent to just 58 points, with a 39% shooting performance from the field. The Thundering Herd limited them to 47% shooting on two-pointers, where they made 19 of 40 attempts.
From beyond the arc, Marshall’s defense was even more effective, as they allowed only 3 three-pointers on 16 attempts, an 18% shooting rate. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 17 times, where they converted 10 shots, shooting 58%.