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Sun Belt basketball is coming to television on Thursday night, with the South Alabama Jaguars (8-7; 7-5-0 ATS) ready to take on the James Madison (JMU) Dukes (13-1; 10-4-0 ATS). This battle is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. EDT in Atlantic Union Bank Center. South Alabama won both of last season's matchups as an underdog. Will they succeed again, or are the Dukes destined for revenge?
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South Alabama enters this matchup after a pair of conference losses. Both games were at home. Now, this team is on the road again, looking to utilize an offense that averages 74.3 points per game despite a slower tempo. Isiah Gaiter paces the team with 16.4 points a night. South Alabama shoots 43.3% from the floor, 31.8% from deep, and 74.1% at the free throw line. They average fewer than nine offensive boards per game but only turn the ball over 10.7 times. The Jaguars are stronger on the offensive end.
It is a defense allowing 75.7 points per game that holds South Alabama back. Their past two foes both scored 90+ points. They hold opponents to 31.0% on three-pointers but allow 45.4% shooting overall and 20.7 free throw attempts p er contest. South Alabama is -3.6 in rebounding margin. The Jaguars need to toughen up inside if they want to win more games.