South Alabama Tops James Madison in Close Contest
Thursday, January 22, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Atlantic Union Bank Center
South Alabama Jaguars 90, James Madison Dukes 83, 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 South Alabama Jaguars vs James Madison Dukes?
South Alabama Jaguars beat James Madison Dukes 90-83 at Atlantic Union Bank Center on January 22, 2026.
Who was favored in South Alabama Jaguars vs James Madison Dukes?
James Madison Dukes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the South Alabama Jaguars defeated the James Madison Dukes 90-83 at the Atlantic Union Bank Center. This victory marks a significant achievement for South Alabama, improving their record to 15-6, while James Madison falls to 9-12. This game was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with South Alabama entering the contest with a better overall record and a more recent history of success compared to the struggling Dukes.
James Madison's recent form has been challenging, as they have only won four of their last ten games, currently on a two-game losing streak. Their average scoring during this stretch has been 71.8 points per game, while they have allowed an average of 77.1 points, indicating struggles on the defensive end. In their last five games, they have managed to score an average of 69.8 points while allowing 73.2 points. Their home record stands at 3-1 in the last four games played at home, but they have struggled on the road with a record of 1-5.
On the other hand, South Alabama has had a mixed bag of results recently, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games and currently on a one-game losing streak. They have averaged 71.4 points scored per game while allowing 69.4 points during this stretch. Their last five games show a slight improvement, with an average of 69.2 points scored and 66.8 points allowed. The Jaguars have been more successful at home, with a home record of 3-2, but their away performance has been less stellar, standing at 2-3.
The two teams had met previously in the 2025 season, where South Alabama secured a decisive victory over James Madison, winning 77-49. This history may have played a role in the psychological dynamics of the game, as the Jaguars came in with confidence from their previous encounter.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but any absence of key players could have impacted the performance of either team. The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had James Madison favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 138.5. This indicates that expectations were high for the Dukes to perform well at home, despite their recent struggles.
The game conditions were typical for a college basketball matchup, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths. Viewers were advised to watch for key scoring plays, including several free throws that played a crucial role in the final moments of the game. Notably, Preston Fowler's three-point jumper and Jayden Cooper's free throws late in the game were pivotal in maintaining South Alabama's lead.
Ultimately, South Alabama's ability to execute in critical moments and capitalize on free throw opportunities proved decisive, as they maintained their composure to secure the win in a high-pressure environment. The final score of 90-83 reflects the competitive nature of the game, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by James Madison as they seek to turn their season around.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | JMU -4.5 | 138.5 o -105 / u -115 | South Alabama Jaguars +160 · James Madison Dukes -192 |
Leaders
- PointsJustin McBride30James Madison Dukes
- AssistsCliff Davis6James Madison Dukes
- ReboundsJustin McBride12James Madison Dukes
- PointsAdam Olsen26South Alabama Jaguars
- AssistsAdam Olsen3South Alabama Jaguars
- ReboundsChaze Harris9South Alabama Jaguars
Recent form
James Madison Dukes
Last 10: 4-6Streak L271.8 scored · 77.1 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L72-77at Marshall Thundering HerdJan 17
- L65-80at App State MountaineersJan 15
- W70-69vs Old Dominion MonarchsJan 10
- L64-66vs Marshall Thundering HerdJan 8
- W78-74at Arkansas State Red WolvesJan 3
- L74-103at Arkansas RazorbacksDec 30
- L92-96at Georgia Southern EaglesDec 20
- L68-77at Old Dominion MonarchsDec 18
- W68-67vs Norfolk State SpartansDec 6
- W67-62vs North Carolina Central EaglesDec 4
South Alabama Jaguars
Last 10: 5-5Streak L171.4 scored · 69.4 allowed per game2-3 away
- L56-59vs Louisiana Ragin' CajunsJan 17
- W91-87vs Arkansas State Red WolvesJan 16
- W87-71vs Georgia Southern EaglesJan 10
- L49-59at Troy TrojansJan 3
- W63-58at Louisiana Ragin' CajunsDec 31
- W85-52vs Mobile RamsDec 30
- L65-67at Texas State BobcatsDec 20
- W96-92at UL Monroe WarhawksDec 18
- L57-58vs North Texas Mean GreenDec 14
- L65-91at East Tennessee State BuccaneersDec 6
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 | South Alabama Jaguars | James Madison Dukes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-63 | 24-55 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 10-26 | 16-42 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 38 |
| Free throws | 24-39 | 19-25 |
| Free throw % | 62 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 31 |
| Assists | 10 | 18 |
| Steals | 13 | 3 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 3 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 23 | 4 |
| Fast-break points | 27 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 16 |
| Fouls | 16 | 27 |
| Largest lead | 16 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 49 | 47 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half62-51Cliff Davis makes 26-foot three point jumper (Bradley Douglas assists)
- 2nd Half64-51Randy Brady makes layup
- 2nd Half64-53Justin McBride makes layup
- 2nd Half65-53Adam Olsen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-53Adam Olsen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-56Cliff Davis makes 26-foot three point jumper (Bradley Douglas assists)
- 2nd Half67-56Chaze Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-56Stephen Williams makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half69-57Eddie Ricks III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-58Eddie Ricks III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-58JJ Wheat makes 25-foot three point jumper (Chaze Harris assists)
- 2nd Half74-58JJ Wheat makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-61Justin McBride makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cliff Davis assists)
- 2nd Half76-61Chaze Harris makes layup
- 2nd Half76-64Bradley Douglas makes 26-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half77-64Chaze Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-65Justin McBride makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half77-66Justin McBride makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half77-67Justin McBride makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half77-68Bradley Douglas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-71Cliff Davis makes 26-foot three point jumper (Bradley Douglas assists)
- 2nd Half78-71Chaze Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-74Cliff Davis makes 25-foot three point jumper (Bradley Douglas assists)
- 2nd Half79-74JJ Wheat makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-74JJ Wheat makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-74JJ Wheat makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-74JJ Wheat makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-74JJ Wheat makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-74Chaze Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half85-74Chaze Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-74Jayden Cooper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-77Preston Fowler makes 23-foot three point jumper (Justin McBride assists)
- 2nd Half87-77Jayden Cooper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half87-78Preston Fowler makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half87-79Preston Fowler makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half87-80Preston Fowler makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half88-80Adam Olsen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half88-83Preston Fowler makes 25-foot three point jumper (Bradley Douglas assists)
- 2nd Half89-83Jayden Cooper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half90-83Jayden Cooper makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours James Madison Dukes, below favours South Alabama Jaguars.
Venue
- Atlantic Union Bank CenterHarrisonburg, VA
- Attendance3046
- OfficialsGarrick Shannon, Wil Howard, Vladimir Voyard-Tadal
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