Louisiana vs. James Madison Prediction, Odds for Sun Belt Championship 2nd Round

The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns got by Georgia State in the first round of the Sun Belt Championship, earning them a second-round matchup against the James Madison Dukes.

James Madison will be favored in today's game, but the Dukes won't be looking past Louisiana. The Ragin' Cajuns won the first game between these two teams, beating them by a score of 64-61 back on February 4.

Will the Dukes get their revenge tonight? Let's find out what the oddsmakers think.

Louisiana vs. James Madison Odds, Spread, and Total

Odds via Caesars Sportsbook

Spread

Louisiana +6.5 (-110)
James Madison -6.5 (-110)

Moneyline

Louisiana +222
James Madison -278

Total

OVER 132.5 (-110)
UNDER 132.5 (-110)

Louisiana vs. James Madison How to Watch

Date: Wednesday, March 4
Game Time: 6:00 pm ET
Venue: Pensacola Bay Center
How to Watch (TV): ESPN+
Louisiana Record: 11-21 (7-11 in Sun Belt)
James Madison Record: 17-14 (9-9 in Sun Belt)

Louisiana vs. James Madison Betting Trends

Louisiana is 2-5 ATS in its last seven games
The UNDER is 8-2 in Louisiana's last 10 games played in March
James Madison is 4-1 ATS in its last five games
The UNDER is 9-2 in James Madison's last 11 games
James Madison is 5-14 ATS in its last 19 games as a favorite

Louisiana vs. James Madison Key Player to Watch

Justin McBride, F - James Madison Dukes

Justin McBride is leading James Madison in points per game, averaging 15.5, while also averaging 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He didn't play in the first meeting between these two teams when James Madison lost, so his presence on the court tonight should make a significant difference in the rematch.

Louisiana vs. James Madison Prediction and Pick

Justin McBride being in the lineup for tonight's rematch, when he didn't play in the first meeting, might make all the difference tonight.

When looking at some overall numbers between these two teams, James Madison seems like the far better squad. Louisiana ranks just 334th in effective field goal percentage at 47.2%. James Madison is far better in that metric, ranking 121st in eFG% at 52.8%.

It's also worth noting that James Madison ranks inside the top 100 in 3-point shot rate, and now the Dukes get to face a Louisiana team that ranks 294th in opponent 3-point field goal percentage, allowing teams to shoot 35.8% from beyond the arc.

I'll lay the points with James Madison tonight.

Pick: James Madison -6.5 (-110)

Get up to a $250 bonus when you claim your Caesars Sportsbook new user promo using code SIBONUS250BM. Sign up, deposit at least $10, and place your first real-money wager. Regardless of the outcome, you’ll earn a bonus equal to the amount of your first bet.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

You can check out all of Iain's bets here!