Sun Belt bucks: James Madison to leave bettors in the black

Darth Vader, Johnny Cash and the fourth President of the United States. OK, bar trivia brainiac, what do they have in common?

They were true men in black. Their daily wardrobes reflected it. Heck, practically everything that adorned James Madison’s scraggly frame sunup to sundown was in the shade — coat, breeches, shoes and even his silk stockings.

Profit-minded.

For those looking to leave bankrolls rolling in the color, consider the esteemed Virginia-based institution named after the Father of the Constitution.

[ Bracket Big Board: Brad Evans’ NCAA Tournament projections ]

Though chalky white to secure the Sun Belt automatic berth, the team owning the nation’s second-longest winning streak (10) is a VALUE at +140 (at BetMGM). Yes, Appalachian State may have taken the regular-season title — the Mountaineers are no doubt a viable contender — but there are several reasons why this penniless bettor is willing to dance with the Dukes.

For starters, the inhabitants of the Atlantic Bank Union Center (just a little wordy) are the most well-rounded team in the league. A whopping 29 spots higher than App State at No. 56 in BartTorvik’s overall metrics the past 30 days (Troy is No. 2 at No. 85), JMU is No. 14 nationally in effective field-goal percentage offense and No. 53 in effective field-goal percentage defense.

Digging down, Terrence Edwards and friends are shooting 56.3% from two and 40.1% from three over their last 10 contests. During that span, they’re also allowing a lockdown 28.9% from distance and forcing an opponent turnover on 18.9% of enemy possessions Yep, they’re the epitome of “balanced.”

As you were debating the fantasy sit/start merits of James Cook in November, the Dukes waltzed into the Breslin Center and shocked Michigan State 79-76 in overtime. Edwards and big man T.J. Bickerstaff combined for 45 points. That opening act sparked an eye-grabbing 14-0 season start. It also helped propel them to a gaudy 28-3 regular-season record.

There’s a vocal minority that demands James Madison earn an at-large bid no matter what unfolds this week in Pensacola. However, with a non-conference strength of schedule north of No. 300 and only the Sparty Party shutdown as a Quad 1 W, the resume is sorely lacking. Suffice it to say, the Dukes have ample motivation.

Swept by top seed App State in the regular season, JMU is out to exact its revenge, assuming, of course, both blaze a trail to the Sun Belt finals. Hey, we all know how difficult it is to dispense a team three times in the same season. Yours truly might have better odds getting off a shot over Victor Wembanyama. OK, not quite.

Unlike the diminutive Founding Father you’re named after — at 5-foot-4, he would’ve struggled dunking on a Little Tikes hoop — stand tall, James Madison.