Sometimes you want to make a quick pitstop, empty the bladder, grab a bag of salty snacks and limber up the limbs before hitting the open road again. For the fast-minded who enjoy simple $2 scratchers hoping to uncover the jackpot winning image, here’s a quick thought and lean on a NCAA Tournament second-round game.
Quick Pick — James Madison +7.5 vs. Duke (-110, MGM)
The Father of the Constitution implores you to back his namesake.
James Madison has emerged victorious in a downright absurd 32 games this season, including its coasting to a 72-61 first-round win against Wisconsin on Friday. Given the Dukes’ balanced overall approach (No. 42 in eFG offense and No. 89 in eFG D this month), repeated outside cashes (40.2 3PT% in last five games) and kleptomaniac hands (20.2 TO% D), T.J. Bickerstaff and friends will stay on the attack under both baskets.
Duke prefers a much slower tempo, but if JMU can neutralize Kyle Filipowski on the offensive glass, match 3-pointers and continue to exert profitable pressure, the “real” Duke(s) will taste sweetness for the first time in school history. At a minimum, they hang tough with the Blue Devils.
Season record: 24-23, +6.40 units