Akron Zips Defeat James Madison Dukes 85-71
Monday, November 3, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · James A. Rhodes Arena
Akron Zips 85, James Madison Dukes 71, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won James Madison Dukes vs Akron Zips?
Akron Zips beat James Madison Dukes 85-71 at James A. Rhodes Arena on November 3, 2025.
The Akron Zips showcased their dominance in a decisive 85-71 victory over the James Madison Dukes at the James A. Rhodes Arena. This match was significant as it marked the season opener for both teams, with Akron coming off a strong previous season and James Madison looking to bounce back after a loss in their first game.
Akron entered the game with an impressive recent form, boasting a record of 9-1 over their last ten games, including a seven-game winning streak. They averaged 84.5 points scored per game while allowing 77.1 points. Their last five games saw them maintain an even higher scoring average of 91.2 points, indicating a potent offensive capability. The Zips had a perfect home record of 6-0 leading into this matchup, which further established them as a formidable opponent on their home court.
In contrast, the Dukes had a record of 7-3 in their last ten games but were on a two-game losing streak. They averaged 75.1 points scored and 72.8 points allowed, which suggested a more balanced but less explosive offensive performance compared to Akron. James Madison's away record stood at 3-2, showing they had some success on the road but were still seeking consistency.
Historically, this matchup is noteworthy as both teams have faced each other in the past, but the specifics of those encounters were not detailed in the provided block. However, the current form of both teams added an intriguing layer to this fixture, with Akron clearly positioned as the stronger side based on recent performances.
In terms of player availability, the block did not specify any injuries affecting either team, which meant both squads could field their best players. This was crucial for both teams, especially for Akron, as they aimed to leverage their full roster to maintain their winning momentum.
The market had priced the game with a home win probability of 1.0 for Akron, indicating a strong expectation for the Zips to secure the victory. This reflected the confidence in their abilities, especially given their recent form and home advantage.
As the game unfolded, Akron's scoring ability was on full display. Key moments included a series of successful plays in the second half, where Shammah Scott made a significant impact with a three-point jumper that pushed Akron's lead to 85-71, effectively sealing the game. Amani Lyles also contributed with crucial free throws and layups, showcasing the depth of Akron's offensive options.
Overall, the game highlighted Akron's offensive prowess and ability to perform under pressure, while James Madison will need to reassess their strategies moving forward after this defeat.
Leaders
- PointsAmani Lyles22Akron Zips
- AssistsEvan Mahaffey7Akron Zips
- ReboundsAmani Lyles9Akron Zips
- PointsJustin McBride14James Madison Dukes
- AssistsPaul Lewis6James Madison Dukes
- ReboundsPreston Fowler6James Madison Dukes
Recent form
Akron Zips
Last 10: 9-1Streak W784.5 scored · 77.1 allowed per game6-0 at home
- W76-74vs Miami (OH) RedHawksMar 15
- W100-90vs Toledo RocketsMar 14
- W96-67vs Bowling Green FalconsMar 13
- W88-70vs Buffalo BullsMar 8
- W96-87at Toledo RocketsMar 5
- W77-72vs Kent State Golden FlashesMar 1
- W87-82at Ball State CardinalsFeb 26
- L67-84at Ohio BobcatsFeb 22
- W73-63vs Northern Illinois HuskiesFeb 19
- W85-82at Central Michigan ChippewasFeb 16
James Madison Dukes
Last 10: 7-3Streak L275.1 scored · 72.8 allowed per game3-2 away
- L60-79vs Troy TrojansMar 10
- L93-102at Texas State BobcatsMar 1
- W85-79at UL Monroe WarhawksFeb 26
- W78-73vs Georgia Southern EaglesFeb 22
- W83-63vs Georgia State PanthersFeb 21
- W74-73at Coastal Carolina ChanticleersFeb 15
- W77-72at Georgia Southern EaglesFeb 14
- L69-72at Toledo RocketsFeb 8
- W64-61vs Troy TrojansFeb 6
- W68-54vs Old Dominion MonarchsFeb 1
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Troy | 22-12 | - | 12-6 |
| South Alabama | 21-12 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Arkansas State | 20-12 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Texas State | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Marshall | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Coastal Carolina | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| App State | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| James Madison | 18-15 | 3 | 9-9 |
| Southern Miss | 19-16 | 3 | 9-9 |
| Georgia Southern | 21-16 | 4 | 8-10 |
| Old Dominion | 12-21 | 5 | 7-11 |
| Louisiana | 11-22 | 5 | 7-11 |
| Georgia State | 10-22 | 5 | 7-11 |
| UL Monroe | 4-28 | 11 | 1-17 |
| Miami (OH) | 32-2 | - | 18-0 |
| Akron | 29-6 | 1 | 17-1 |
| Kent State | 24-10 | 4 | 14-4 |
| Toledo | 19-15 | 7 | 11-7 |
| Bowling Green | 18-14 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Ohio | 15-17 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Buffalo | 17-15 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Massachusetts | 17-16 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Ball State | 12-19 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Central Michigan | 10-21 | 12 | 6-12 |
| Western Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Eastern Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Northern Illinois | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | James Madison Dukes | Akron Zips |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-61 | 27-63 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 11-29 | 8-25 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 32 |
| Free throws | 12-13 | 23-29 |
| Free throw % | 92 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 26 |
| Assists | 14 | 15 |
| Steals | 5 | 10 |
| Blocks | 9 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 19 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 28 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 36 |
| Fouls | 22 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 14 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half45-40Amani Lyles made Layup.
- 2nd Half47-40Justin McBride made Layup. Assisted by Christian Brown.
- 2nd Half47-41Tavari Johnson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half47-42Shammah Scott made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half49-42Gabe Newhof made Layup.
- 2nd Half49-44Tavari Johnson made Layup.
- 2nd Half52-44Bradley Douglas made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half51-44Bradley Douglas made Layup.
- 2nd Half52-46Sharron Young made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half52-48Evan Mahaffey made Layup. Assisted by Sharron Young.
- 2nd Half54-48Gabe Newhof made Layup. Assisted by Paul Lewis.
- 2nd Half54-49Sharron Young made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half54-50Sharron Young made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half54-52Tavari Johnson made Layup. Assisted by Evan Mahaffey.
- 2nd Half54-53Tavari Johnson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half54-54Tavari Johnson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half57-54Paul Lewis made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Cliff Davis.
- 2nd Half57-57Bowen Hardman made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Evan Mahaffey.
- 2nd Half58-57Bradley Douglas made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half59-57Bradley Douglas made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half61-57Gabe Newhof made Layup. Assisted by Bradley Douglas.
- 2nd Half61-59Marvin Musiime-Kamali made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half61-62Shammah Scott made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Evan Mahaffey.
- 2nd Half61-65Shammah Scott made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Tavari Johnson.
- 2nd Half64-65Justin McBride made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Paul Lewis.
- 2nd Half64-66Amani Lyles made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half64-67Amani Lyles made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half64-69Eric Mahaffey made Layup. Assisted by Evan Mahaffey.
- 2nd Half64-70Amani Lyles made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half64-71Amani Lyles made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half66-71Christian Brown made Layup. Assisted by Bradley Douglas.
- 2nd Half66-74Amani Lyles made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Sharron Young.
- 2nd Half67-74Eddie Ricks III made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-74Eddie Ricks III made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-76Amani Lyles made Layup. Assisted by Evan Mahaffey.
- 2nd Half71-76Justin McBride made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half71-79Tavari Johnson made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Eric Mahaffey.
- 2nd Half71-81Shammah Scott made Jumper.
- 2nd Half71-82Amani Lyles made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half71-85Shammah Scott made Three Point Jumper.
Win probability
Above the line favours Akron Zips, below favours James Madison Dukes.
Venue
- James A. Rhodes ArenaAkron, OH
- Attendance2461
- OfficialsBen Syroka, Tony Meeks, Michael Griffith
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