James Madison Dukes vs Marshall Thundering Herd Picks and Predictions for Saturday, January 17, 2026
The James Madison Dukes continue a conference road trip, good afternoon, with a 4:00 PM match-up in Huntington, WV, against the Marshall Thundering Herd, and we have you ready to roll with our James Madison vs Marshall prediction. James Madison comes into this game with nine wins and 9 losses thus far this season. Marshall stays at home Saturday afternoon, with 11 wins and 7 losses this season, after splitting their first 6 conference games. James Madison comes into Saturday having lost three of the last five, following a 15-point road loss to Appalachian State in their last outing. The Marshall Thundering Herd is coming into Saturday on a 2-game losing streak following a 2-point home loss to Coastal Carolina last time out. Read more about this James Madison vs Marshall prediction! Struggling with handicapping? Try our NCAAB Predictions!
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James Madison tries to end recent skid
Offensively, James Madison has been solid enough this season, averaging 74.8 points per game on 45% shooting from the floor, but the Dukes have averaged 67.6 points per game over their last three losses. Defensively, James Madison has held their own this season, allowing 76.7 points per game, but has given up an average of 83 points per game over its last three losses. Defensively, James Madison was off their game against Appalachian State, giving up 80 points on 53% shooting from the floor, and the Mountaineers knocked down 13 triples in the game period. James Madison lost the rebounding battle by 7 and turned the ball over six times in the game. Offensively, James Madison struggled immensely, scoring just 65 points on 35% shooting from the floor. Cliff Davis led the way for James Madison in their last outing with 15 points on 12 shots in 31 minutes. Bradley Douglas was the only other player on the roster in double digits with 10 points on eight shots in 30 minutes. Ike Cornish led the way off the James Madison bench with 9 points in 15 minutes of action.
Justin McBride leads the James Madison offense this season, averaging 17.7 points per game. Bradley Douglas is second on the roster, averaging 13.2 points to go along with the team-leading 4.5 assists. Cliff Davis is the third player on the team in double digits, averaging 11.9 points per game. Eddie Ricks III is averaging 7.7 points and leads James Madison, pulling in 6.6 rebounds per game.
Key Injury Report for James Madison:
- None
Marshall looks to defend its home floor
The Marshall Thundering Herd offense has been the team's biggest strength this season, averaging 79.6 points on 46% from the floor through 18 games played. Defensively, Marshall has held their own, allowing 75.8 points per game this season, but has given up an average of 83 points per game during their current 2-game losing streak. Defensively, Marshall was terrible in their last outing, allowing 85 points, including 46 in the second half, as Coastal Carolina shot 57% from the floor and knocked down 10 triples. Offensively, Marshall did score the ball well, scoring 83 points on 47% shooting from the floor, knocking down 9 long balls. Marshall won the rebounding battle by one, but turned the ball over next time, leading to the loss. Noah Otshudi led the way for the Marshall offense in their last outing with 30 points on 23 shots in 32 minutes. Jalen Speer was second on the roster with 24 points in 22 minutes of action. Wyatt Fricks was the third player on the team in double digits with 11 points in 34 minutes.
Jalen Speer leads the Marshall offense this season, averaging 14.7 points and 5.8 assists per game. Wyatt Fricks and Noah Otshundi are both tied for second on the team this season, averaging 14.4 points per game. Big man Matt Van Komen averages 7.9 points to go along with the team-leading 7.2 rebounds per game this season.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Ben Burns | +1,203.00 |
| 2 |  Joseph D'Amico | +791.00 |
| 3 |  Bryan Power | +507.00 |
| 4 |  MIT Simulator | +449.00 |
| 5 |  Joe Duffy | +374.00 |
Key Injury Report for Marshall:
- None
James Madison vs Marshall Pick
- James Madison vs Marshall Spread Pick
Marshall is the better team in this game and has been playing better basketball this season. Both teams have lost 2 of their last three, but Marshall will have the edge in this matchup. The Thundering Herd is better on both sides of the ball and will overwhelm my lackluster James Madison team start to finish Saturday afternoon. Look for Marshall to end their recent skid as they get the home winning cover to pick up their 12th victory of the season and 4th in conference.
- James Madison vs Marshall Over/Under Pick
Neither team is elite on offense, though both have seen their totals go over the number several times in their last five outings. Look for a defensive battle Saturday afternoon, as both teams are looking to get back on track. Marshall will do the job down the stretch to pull away and get the victory, but points will come in and premium Saturday in the Sun Belt. Take the under on Saturday afternoon as James Madison visits the Marshall Thundering Herd.
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