- Matchup: James Madison Dukes vs Kentucky Wildcats
- Date of Game: Friday, November 6, 2026
- Venue: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
- Broadcast: ESPN+
- Betting Odds: James Madison (+25.5)
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The Kentucky Wildcats (1-0) are set to face off against the James Madison Dukes (0-1) at Rupp Arena this Friday. The odds feature James Madison as 25.5-point underdogs, with the total points over/under established at 156.5.
In their latest game, the James Madison Dukes fell short against Miami, losing 86-77. During this matchup, the Dukes registered 19 fouls compared to Miami’s 16 and managed to hit 8 of 24 attempts from beyond the arc. Miami excelled at the free-throw line, achieving 94.1% success by converting 16 of 17 tries. The Hurricanes also dominated the boards, collecting 42 rebounds (13 offensive, 29 defensive) while denying any blocked shots. Miami’s offense contributed 15 assists along with 10 steals. Defensively, James Madison allowed 45.6% shooting, with their counterparts making 31 of 68 shots. The Dukes managed 13 assists, forced 10 turnovers, and secured 6 steals. They grabbed a total of 33 rebounds, on which 14 were offensive, and finished the game making 9 of 16 free-throw attempts (56.3%). James Madison shot at a field goal percentage of 38.6% (27 of 70) and made 14 of 34 three-point attempts.
One standout player for the Dukes was Paul Jones III, who scored 14 points on 4 of 7 shooting, played for 22 minutes, and secured 3 rebounds. He finished with an impressive 57.1% shooting percentage and provided 2 assists.
Currently, James Madison holds an 0-1 record this season. They are averaging 12.0 turnovers per game while committing 19.0 fouls on average. The Dukes are averaging 39.0 rebounds per contest and posting 13 assists this season, ranking 231st in Division 1 for assists. They are shooting 41.2% from the three-point range (14 of 34) and 56.3% from the free-throw line. The team averages 77.0 points per game, placing them 197th nationally, while hitting 38.6% of their field goal attempts.
Defensively, James Madison is forcing 11.0 turnovers per game and drawing 16.0 fouls. They are conceding 33.3% from the three-point line and rank 301st in Division 1 for points allowed per game (86.0). The Dukes’ opponents are shooting 45.6% overall (31 of 68), and the team surrenders 44.0 rebounds per game, ranking 247th in Division 1 for assists allowed (15 this season).
In their previous outing, the Kentucky Wildcats secured an 85-57 victory over Manhattan. In terms of rebounding, Kentucky allowed Manhattan to gather a total of 21 boards (9 offensive). The Wildcats shot 26.9% from three-point territory (7 of 26) and were successful on 12 of 23 free-throw attempts (52.2%). Manhattan made 19 of 54 shots from the floor, giving them a shooting rate of 35.2%. Overall, Kentucky achieved a shooting percentage of 53.3%, hitting 32 out of 60 attempts. From three-point range, they were successful on 12 of 31 attempts (38.7%) and made 9 free throws for an 81.8% success rate. Manhattan committed 12 fouls, allowing the Wildcats a total of 11 free-throw attempts. Kentucky also recorded 14 turnovers while earning 9 steals throughout the game, with 26 defensive rebounds and 11 offensive boards, totaling 37 rebounds.
Milan Momcilovic was a key contributor for the Wildcats, hitting 8 of 12 shots for a shooting percentage of 66.7%, while also grabbing 5 rebounds and totaling 24 points in 28 minutes on the court, along with 1 assist.
Kentucky starts the season with a record of 1-0. Offensively, the Wildcats have an effective field goal percentage of 53.3%, ranking them 73rd nationally. Thus far, Kentucky has scored 85 points and is averaging 40.0 rebounds per game. With 20.0 assists per game (78th in college basketball), the Wildcats average 14.0 turnovers, while committing 19.0 personal fouls each game and hitting 81.8% from the free-throw line.
Defensively, Kentucky is allowing opponents a 3-point shooting percentage of 26.9% (7 of 26) and they have limited free-throw success to 52.2%. They are relinquishing 7.0 assists and 26.0 rebounds per game, ranking 45th and 53rd respectively in college. The Wildcats rank 86th in college basketball for points allowed per game (57.0). They force 13.0 turnovers per game and allow teams to shoot 35.2% from the floor (99th in D-1).
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA game against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on James Madison (+25.5)
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