James Madison vs. Akron, Picks and Prediction, Monday, November 3, 2025
Use Code WWWC James Madison (0-0) and Akron (0-0) will try to kick off their season with a win when they meet at James A. Rhodes Arena at 8 PM. ET. on Monday night in the MAC-SBC Challenge. Read on to find out which team picks up the win in this Dukes vs. Zips prediction. Struggling with handicapping? Try our NCAAB Predictions!
The Dukes (20-12, 13-5 Sun Belt) finished fourth in the Sun Belt last season and missed the NCAA playoffs. The Zips (28-7, 17-1 MAC) won the MAC regular season and tournament last season. They were knocked out by Arizona in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
JMU is 2-1 in three games against Akron. The Dukes won last season’s meeting, 73-59.
James Madison Targeting Conference Title
The Dukes ended the season in a four-way tie for the best record in the Sun Belt, but they finished fourth due to tiebreakers. Even though they lost most of the players from last season’s squad, the Dukes are one of the favorites to win the conference title this season.
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James Madison averaged 72.3 points per game last season, which was 184th in the country. They made 42.9 percent of their field goals and 34.3 percent of their three-pointers.
JMU had 13 new players this season, 10 transfers and three freshmen. Players like Paul Jones III, who was a Big Sky All-Freshman, and Bradley Douglas, who was voted First Team All-Sun Belt, are expected to play big roles on the team this season.
James Madison gave up 71.3 points per game last season. Opponents made 44.7 percent of their field goals and 35.5 percent of their three-pointers against them.
The Dukes have won their last eight season-openers and will try to make it nine in a row when they play on Monday.
Akron Enter Season With High Expectations
The Zips won a school record 28 games last season to claim the MAC regular season and tournament titles. They have a strong nucleus of players returning, and head coach John Groce brought in a few proven veterans through the portal to help the team defend their conference title.
Akron averaged 83.4 points per game last season, which was eighth in the country. They made 47 percent of their field goals and 36.4 percent of their three-pointers.
Tavari Johnson, the second-leading scorer from last season, is expected to lead the charge this season. MAC Sixth Man of the Year Shammah Scott is also expected to play a bigger role this season. Groce also brought in former Arkansas State guard Cody Head to give them some depth.
Akron gave up 76.4 points per game last season, which was 283rd in the country. Opponents made 43.9 percent of their field goals and 32.4 percent of their three-pointers.
James Madison vs. Akron Picks
Point Spread Pick for JMU vs. Akron
- Akron Zips -7 (4 Units)
The Zips had one of the best offenses in the country last season, and they won’t skip a beat with their core players returning, which isn’t something that can be said of the Dukes, who have 13 newcomers on their roster. They were the better rebounding team as well and they did a great job of protecting the ball. The Dukes weren’t great defensively last season, especially on the road, where they gave up more than 76 points per game, so expect a similar result when they face the Zips on Monday. Take Akron to cover the spread.
Over/Under Pick for James Madison vs. Akron
- Over 154 (4 Units)
The Dukes played over the total in their last four games, while the Zips played over the total in two of their last four games. James Madison averaged 72.3 points per game last season. They played at the 307th-fastest pace in the country, averaging 67.6 possessions per game, and they’re facing a team that gave up 74.9 points per game at home. The Zips averaged 83.4 points per game. They played at the 12th-fastest pace in the country, averaging 74.6 possessions per game, and they’re facing a team that gave up 76.6 points per game on the road. Expect these teams to score enough points to push the score over the total.
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