James Madison Dukes vs. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Prediction and Betting Tips

The James Madison Dukes and Coastal Carolina Chanticleers are set to face off in an exciting Sun Belt Conference matchup on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the HTC Center in Conway, South Carolina. With both teams looking to solidify their standings, this game promises to be a thrilling contest. In this article, we’ll dive into the prediction, betting odds, and key insights to help you make informed decisions.

Game Overview

• Date and Time: Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET
• Location: HTC Center, Conway, South Carolina
• TV and Streaming: ESPN+

The Dukes enter this game with a 16-10 record (9-4 in the Sun Belt), while the Chanticleers are struggling at 8-18 (1-12 in the Sun Belt). James Madison is riding a wave of momentum, having won six consecutive conference games, while Coastal Carolina is mired in an 11-game losing streak.

Betting Odds and Lines

Here’s a breakdown of the latest betting odds for this matchup:

• Spread: James Madison -8.5
• Moneyline: James Madison -450, Coastal Carolina +340
• Total Points (Over/Under): 132.5

James Madison is the clear favorite, with sportsbooks giving them an 83.2% implied probability of winning. Coastal Carolina, on the other hand, has a 21.3% chance of pulling off an upset.

Key Betting Insights

James Madison Dukes

• Recent Form: The Dukes have been dominant in conference play, winning their last six games. They’re coming off a solid 77-72 victory over Georgia Southern, where Mark Freeman scored 26 points.
• ATS Performance: James Madison is 10-14 against the spread this season, including a 1-2 record when favored by 8.5 points or more.
• Offensive and Defensive Stats: The Dukes average 72.8 points per game (222nd in the nation) and allow 68.7 points (84th in the nation). Their defense has been a key factor in their success.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

• Recent Form: Coastal Carolina is in a deep slump, losing 11 straight games. Their last outing was a 64-46 defeat to Appalachian State, where their offense struggled significantly.
• ATS Performance: The Chanticleers are also 10-14 against the spread this season but have a strong 5-2 record when playing as 8.5-point underdogs.
• Offensive and Defensive Stats: Coastal Carolina averages just 65.7 points per game (349th in the nation) and allows 70.7 points (149th in the nation). Their inability to score consistently has been a major issue.

Head-to-Head History

James Madison has dominated this rivalry in recent years, winning the last four matchups. Their most recent meeting on January 30, 2025, ended in a 73-64 victory for the Dukes.

Prediction and Betting Tips

Game Prediction

James Madison is the stronger team on paper and has been in excellent form. Coastal Carolina’s offensive struggles make it difficult to see them keeping up with the Dukes. Our prediction:

• Final Score: James Madison 74, Coastal Carolina 65.

Betting Tips

1. Spread: James Madison -8.5
   • The Dukes have covered the spread in six of their last seven games against conference opponents. Coastal Carolina’s struggles suggest they’ll have trouble keeping this game close.
2. Total Points: Under 132.5
   • Coastal Carolina’s offense has been abysmal, scoring fewer than 50 points in their last game. While James Madison can score, the Chanticleers’ defensive effort might keep this game under the total.
3. Moneyline: James Madison -450
   • With an 83.2% implied probability, the Dukes are a safe bet to win outright. Coastal Carolina’s 11-game losing streak doesn’t inspire confidence.

Key Players to Watch

James Madison Dukes

• Mark Freeman: The leading scorer (14.5 PPG) and a reliable three-point shooter (36.1%).
• Bryce Lindsay: A sharpshooter with a 42.2% three-point percentage and 12.5 PPG.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

• Jordan Battle: The team’s top scorer (12.0 PPG) and a solid three-point shooter (40.7%).
• Rasheed Jones: A versatile player averaging 11.8 PPG and 2.2 three-pointers per game.

Final Thoughts

This matchup heavily favors James Madison, given their recent form and Coastal Carolina’s struggles. However, the Chanticleers have shown resilience as underdogs, covering the spread in five of their last seven games when getting 8.5 points or more.

For bettors, the Dukes’ spread and moneyline are the safest options, while the under on the total points is a compelling pick given Coastal Carolina’s offensive woes.

By analyzing the stats, trends, and key players, it’s clear that James Madison is poised to extend their winning streak. Tune in to ESPN+ on Saturday to catch all the action!

Note: Gambling involves risk. Please bet responsibly and within your limits.