James Madison Dukes vs LIU Brooklyn Sharks Point Spread Picks

James Madison won 20 games a year ago and is expected to be one of the best teams in the Sun Belt again. Last season, the defense ranked fifth in the 14-team conference in points allowed (70.5 per game). The offense has lost both of its road games, averaging 71.5 points per game. Long Island has wins over IU Indianapolis and Air Force, both on the road. They were one of the best teams in the Northeast Conference last year, anchored by a defense that was third in the nine-team conference in points given up (65.3 per game) and No. 1 in shooting allowed (.410). Long Island is on an 18-11 run UNDER the total. Play James Madison/Long Island UNDER the total. 

With a spot in the round of 64 up for grabs, the oddsmakers have pegged this game as a pick'em. The reward for winning this game? A meeting with No. 1 seed Indiana on Friday. I like the Dukes to advance here. They have won four straight including a decisive 70-57 win over regular season champion Northeastern on Monday. LIU can really fill it up on the offensive end, ranked in the top ten nationally in points per game. But, their defense is atrocious, allowing 81.3 per game on the road this season. The Blackbirds have played in just four lined games this season, telling you about their schedule. Meanwhile James Madison played in 31, covering the number in 21 of them. Under head coach Matt Brady, this team knows how to ride momentum as they are 32-19 ATS on the road after a win. Take the Dukes to win this game.