The James Madison Dukes (1-1) and the Northern Kentucky Norse (2-0) go head-to-head in the Islands of the Bahamas Showcase at Kendall G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium. Northern Kentucky opened as a 10-point favorite, while the games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 144 points. Action starts at 5 p.m. ET on Friday, November 17, 2017.
Northern Kentucky Norse vs. James Madison Dukes Free Preview
The Norse had no trouble getting past the Wilmington (OH) Quakers in their last game, 93-65. Drew McDonald was the games high scorer with 18 points on 7-for-13 shooting. Northern Kentucky dominated every stat category in the game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 44.7 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.583. For those same stats, Wilmington (OH) was 13.2 and 0.456, respectively.
In the Dukes last game, they were blown out by the Old Dominion Monarchs, 69-53. Stuckey Mosley led James Madison in scoring with 14 points on 4-for-14 shooting. Old Dominion had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.7 vs. 17.1). James Madison, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (16.1 vs. 20.8).
Second-chance points might be scarce for James Madison in this battle. The Dukes rank 169th in offensive rebounding percentage (29.7 percent), while Northern Kentucky ranks 47th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.3 percent) since last season.
Since last season, the Norse are 26-10 straight up (SU) and 22-10 against the spread (ATS). Northern Kentucky games have had a tendency to finish under the projected point total since last season (59.4 percent).
The Dukes, meanwhile, are 11-24 SU and 11-17-2 ATS since last season. James Madisons games have had a slight tendency to finish over the O/U total over that same stretch (53.3 percent).
Northern Kentucky Norse vs. James Madison Dukes ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Northern Kentucky, ATS Winner – James Madison, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Dukes rank 19th in rebounds allowed per game (31.3) while the Norse rank 76th (33.4).
- Northern Kentucky ranks 39th in three pointers attempted per game (24.9) while James Madison ranks 246th in three pointers allowed per game (22.8).
- The Dukes rank 41st in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Norse rank 226th (4.1).
- Northern Kentucky ranks 119th in assists per game (14.2) while James Madison ranks 277th (11.5).
