James Madison vs. Southern Illinois Prediction: Can Xavier Johnson, SIU Upset Ranked Dukes?
The undefeated James Madison Dukes are now ranked in the Top 25 after a 4-0 start. Can Southern Illinois shock the Dukes on Tuesday night? Krabs gives his analysis and pick for James Madison vs. Southern Illinois.
Krabs - November 21, 2023, 3:53 PM EST
5 minJames Madison vs. Southern Illinois Prediction: Can Xavier Johnson, SIU Upset Ranked Dukes?
It’s been an incredible year for JMU’s football and basketball teams so far in 2023. The Dukes on the hardwood are still undefeated, ranked #22 nationally. Will the SIU Salukis hand the Dukes their first loss of the season, or will JMU remain perfect in the midst of their breakout year?
James Madison vs. Southern Illinois Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: November 21, 2023
- Game Time: 6:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: CBS Sports Network
James Madison vs. Southern Illinois Prediction
This isn’t a great matchup for JMU, who relies heavily on their offense to win games. This Dukes team has plenty of guards who can score, and Terrence Edwards is one of the best guards in the country, but this team will struggle against an extremely good perimeter defense tonight.
The Salukis might have lost their two best guards to the transfer portal this offseason, but they did a great job reloading with some veterans from the portal. Xavier Johnson returns for his final collegiate season after earning MVC all defense honors last season. AJ Ferguson, Trent Brown and Xavier Johnson make up a formidable perimeter that should limit JMU’s success from deep.
JMU is one of the fastest teams in the country, second in possessions per game. SIU takes a different offensive approach, as they are one of the slowest teams in the nation. I’m willing to bet this veteran SIU team slows down the tempo in this contest, taking JMU out of their rhythm.
Xavier Johnson, the DMV kid who transferred from GMU last year, has been carrying this offense. JMU struggled to slow down Radford’s guard-heavy attack in a nail-biter over the weekend. This SIU team is built very similarly to Radford, as they are both extremely guard heavy and patient. I’m expecting similar struggles from JMU’s offense that we witnessed against the Highlanders a few days ago.
The Dukes have become one of the most exciting mid-major teams this year with their recent successes on both the football field and basketball court. The magic has to run out at some point for JMU, and with a brutal matchup against the defensive-minded Salukis, tonight could be the night the Dukes lose their first game. Fade JMU and the public and back the blue-collar Salukis on CBS Sports Network tonight.
James Madison vs. Southern Illinois Pick
Pick: Southern Illinois +5.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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