James Madison Dukes Defeat Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns 87-72
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Pensacola Bay Center
James Madison Dukes 87, Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns 72, 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 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns vs James Madison Dukes?
James Madison Dukes beat Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns 87-72 at Pensacola Bay Center on March 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns vs James Madison Dukes?
James Madison Dukes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -278 (about 74% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the James Madison Dukes secured a strong victory over the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns with a final score of 87-72 at the Pensacola Bay Center. This game was particularly noteworthy as it marked a significant turnaround for the Dukes, who had previously lost to the Ragin' Cajuns just a month earlier. The Dukes improved their record to 19-14, while the Ragin' Cajuns fell to 11-23.
The Dukes entered the game with a recent record of 7-3 over their last ten games, although they were coming off a loss to Coastal Carolina. They averaged 71.9 points scored and allowed 67.4 points during this stretch. Their performance at home has been solid, with a home record of 4-2 in their last six games. In contrast, the Ragin' Cajuns had a mixed record of 5-5 in their last ten games, including a recent win against Georgia State. They averaged 68.5 points scored and allowed 72.0 points during this period, with a notably weaker away record of 1-3.
In their previous meeting on February 5, 2026, the Dukes lost to the Ragin' Cajuns 61-64, which added an extra layer of intensity to this rematch. The Dukes were eager to avenge that loss, and they did so convincingly. The game was characterized by a strong offensive showing from James Madison, who capitalized on their home court advantage.
The injury report did not indicate any significant absences for either team, allowing both sides to field their best lineups. This contributed to a competitive atmosphere throughout the game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Dukes favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 134.5. The odds reflected the Dukes' stronger home record and recent form, positioning them as the favorites in this contest.
Conditions in Pensacola were typical for a basketball game, with no adverse weather impacting the indoor venue. Fans witnessed an engaging contest, with the Dukes maintaining control for much of the game. Key moments included a series of free throws in the second half that helped solidify their lead, particularly from players like Preston Fowler and Cliff Davis.
As the game progressed, James Madison showcased their offensive depth and ability to execute under pressure, ultimately leading to their victory. The Dukes' scoring plays in the second half included several successful free throws, which were crucial in maintaining their lead against the Ragin' Cajuns. This victory not only avenged their earlier loss but also demonstrated their potential as they look to build momentum moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | JMU -6.5 | 134.5 o -115 / u -105 | Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns +225 · James Madison Dukes -278 |
Leaders
- PointsCliff Davis21James Madison Dukes
- AssistsCliff Davis3James Madison Dukes
- ReboundsJustin McBride8James Madison Dukes
- PointsJaxon Olvera28Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
- AssistsJaxon Olvera1Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
- ReboundsJaxon Olvera8Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
Recent form
James Madison Dukes
Last 10: 7-3Streak L171.9 scored · 67.4 allowed per game4-2 at home
- L68-69vs Coastal Carolina ChanticleersFeb 28
- W82-66vs Georgia Southern EaglesFeb 26
- W80-65at Georgia State PanthersFeb 21
- W67-65at Coastal Carolina ChanticleersFeb 19
- W69-58vs App State MountaineersFeb 14
- W81-79vs Georgia State PanthersFeb 13
- W73-71vs Toledo RocketsFeb 7
- L61-64vs Louisiana Ragin' CajunsFeb 5
- L65-73at Southern Miss Golden EaglesJan 31
- W73-64at Troy TrojansJan 30
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
Last 10: 5-5Streak W168.5 scored · 72 allowed per game1-3 away
- W84-75vs Georgia State PanthersMar 3
- L58-81at Arkansas State Red WolvesFeb 28
- L59-78at Troy TrojansFeb 25
- W67-54vs Texas State BobcatsFeb 21
- L62-79vs Arkansas State Red WolvesFeb 20
- L72-83at Old Dominion MonarchsFeb 16
- L65-69vs Coastal Carolina ChanticleersFeb 13
- W85-80vs Central Michigan ChippewasFeb 7
- W64-61at James Madison DukesFeb 5
- W69-60vs Georgia Southern EaglesJan 31
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 |
Box score
| Stat | Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns | James Madison Dukes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-62 | 32-54 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 59 |
| Three-pointers | 5-16 | 3-13 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 23 |
| Free throws | 15-21 | 20-26 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 23 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 14 | 30 |
| Assists | 4 | 14 |
| Steals | 8 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 22 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 56 |
| Fouls | 19 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 3 | 91 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half42-53Justin McBride makes layup (Cliff Davis assists)
- 2nd Half45-53Dorian Finister makes 28-foot three point jumper (Jeremiah Evans assists)
- 2nd Half48-53Milan Mejia makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaxon Olvera assists)
- 2nd Half48-55Gabe Newhof makes layup (Eddie Ricks III assists)
- 2nd Half49-55Dorian Finister makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-55Jaxon Olvera makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half51-57Cliff Davis makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half51-59Cliff Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-60Cliff Davis makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half51-62Cliff Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-62Dorian Finister makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-62Jaxon Olvera makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-62Jaxon Olvera makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-64Justin McBride makes 3-foot dunk (Preston Fowler assists)
- 2nd Half55-64Jaxon Olvera makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half58-64Jaxon Olvera makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half58-66Preston Fowler makes layup
- 2nd Half60-66Jaxon Olvera makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-68Eli Wilborn makes layup (Justin McBride assists)
- 2nd Half62-68Dorian Finister makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-69Bradley Douglas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-70Bradley Douglas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-70Dorian Finister makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half65-70Dorian Finister makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half65-72Eli Wilborn makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half65-74Justin McBride makes 1-foot dunk (Bradley Douglas assists)
- 2nd Half65-75Justin McBride makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half65-77Preston Fowler makes layup (Eli Wilborn assists)
- 2nd Half67-77De'Vion Lavergne makes layup (Milan Mejia assists)
- 2nd Half67-79Eli Wilborn makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half70-79Dorian Finister makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half70-80Cliff Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-81Cliff Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-82Preston Fowler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-83Preston Fowler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-84Bradley Douglas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-85Bradley Douglas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-85Dorian Finister makes layup
- 2nd Half72-86Cliff Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-87Cliff Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours James Madison Dukes, below favours Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns.
Venue
- Pensacola Bay CenterPensacola, FL
- Attendance824
- OfficialsNathan Bemis, Bharat Ramnanan, Shaun Seales
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