James Madison vs North Carolina Odds, Lines & Predictions (Nov. 20)
- #1 North Carolina is laying 12 points at home in the James Madison vs North Carolina odds on Sunday
- The Dukes lead the nation in scoring, averaging 105.3 points per game
- Keep reading for the complete James Madison vs North Carolina odds, plus analysis and a bet to target
It’s been a less than impressive start to the season for top ranked North Carolina (3-0, 3-0 home). The Tar Heels have faced three teams ranked outside the top-100, and while they’ve come away with three victories not one has been in dominant fashion.
They’ll need to level up their play on Sunday, as a stiff test awaits from James Madison. The Dukes (4-0, 2-0 away) are also off to a perfect start, but online sportsbooks are expecting that to come to an end in the college basketball odds.
James Madison vs #1 North Carolina Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Madison Dukes | +12 (-110) | +540 | O 157.5 (-110) |
| North Carolina Tar Heels | -12 (-110) | -740 | U 157.5 (-110) |
Odds as of November 19 at FanDuel Sportsbook. Claim the FanDuel Sportsbook promo code to bet on the James Madison vs North Carolina game.
North Carolina opened up as a 12-point favorite, in a contest that features a total of 157.5. Tip-off is scheduled for Noon ET at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, NC, with the ACC Network providing the broadcast coverage.
North Carolina Betting Analysis
UNC’s average score margin sits at +11.7 through three games, despite a schedule that consists of UNC Wilmington, Charleston, and Gardner-Webb. Not exactly a who’s who of college basketball super powers.
The Tar Heels offense has been fine, averaging over 80 points per contest, but their play in their own end has not reflected their short price tag in the National Championship odds. UNC is coughing up 69.3 points per game, and that’s against some pretty weak competition. As we’ll discuss, if they bring the same kind of effort into Sunday’s contest with James Madison they’ll be in trouble.
🎥: Highlights from last night's 72-66 win 🆚 Gardner-Webb pic.twitter.com/e8w7sOxskq
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) November 16, 2022
Even more surprising than the underwhelming defensive numbers has been their play on the glass. After leading the ACC in rebounding in 2021-22, North Carolina has a minus-6 rebounding differential. They’ve lost the battle on the boards in two of their three games, despite featuring Armando Bacot, the third leading rebounder in the nation last season, as well as 6-11 forward Pete Nance.
One player to watch on Sunday is junior guard Caleb Love, who’s on the verge of joining some elite company. UNC’s leading scorer is 12 points shy of 1000 for his career, and would become the 80th Tar Heel in program history to reach the milestone.
Love is averaging 20.7 points per game this season, and North Carolina is 17-0 all-time when he scores 20 or more points.
James Madison Betting Analysis
James Madison meanwhile, comes in loaded with confidence, especially at the offensive end. They’ve scored at least 96 points in all four games this season, and lead the nation points per game with 105.3. Yes, one of their four victories was against a Division III school, but the rest of their three victories (Hampton, Buffalo and Howard) have all been versus D-I opponents.
Miss any of the action from Howard tonight? 👀
Catch up on the highlights ASAP ⬇️#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/CTVVeGhC1P
— JMU Men's Basketball (@JMUMBasketball) November 16, 2022
They’ve beaten those three Division I schools by an average of 36.3 points per contest, while the Dukes are shooting a blistering 58.6% from the field and 54.1% from three.
They have the ingredients to make life miserable for the Tar Heels, especially on the glass. James Madison has a plus-18.3 average rebounding margin this season, while they’ve forced over 22 turnovers per game.
James Madison vs North Carolina Betting Analysis
This is the Dukes first year in the Sun Belt and they look like they could make some serious noise. James Madison features six players that average at least 8 points per game, led by senior guard Vado Morse. The All-CAA second teamer from last season is averaging 15.8 points per outing, while three of his teammates also average in double-figures.
James Madison’s 2022-23 Results
| Date | Away | Home | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/07/2022 | Valley Forge | James Madison | JMU, 123-38 |
| 11/09/2022 | Hampton | James Madison | JMU, 106-58 |
| 11/12/2022 | James Madison | Buffalo | JMU, 97-62 |
| 11/15/2022 | James Madison | Howard | JMU, 95-69 |
Each of the Dukes four contests have cleared 158 points, and their offense looks poised for continued success on Sunday given the way UNC has started.
North Carolina has too much offense to fail in this spot, and James Madison’s pace (eighth fastest in the country) should force the Tar Heels into an accelerated back and forth affair.
Pick: Over 157.5 (-110)
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As SBD's resident Swiss Army Knife, Chris covers virtually every sport including NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, NCAAF and the Olympics. A true grinder, he'd rather pick off small edges in the player props market than swing for the fences with a 5-leg parlay.
