South Alabama Outguns James Madison 90-83

South Alabama's high-powered offense proved too much for James Madison to handle, as the Jaguars scored 54 second-half points to secure a 90-83 victory at the Atlantic Union Bank Center. The win marked a strong road performance for South Alabama, who improved to 14-6 on the season. Despite being predicted to lose by a narrow margin, the Jaguars' impressive showing has real consequences for their tournament resume.

Justin McBride did his best to will James Madison to victory, posting an impressive 30 points and 12 rebounds. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of South Alabama. Adam Olsen led the charge for the Jaguars, scoring 26 points to pace the team. Olsen's performance was complemented by strong showings from JJ Wheat and Chaze Harris, who added 17 and 15 points, respectively. Harris also chipped in with 9 rebounds, helping South Alabama control the glass.

The game was closely contested in the first half, with James Madison taking a 40-36 lead into the break. However, South Alabama came out firing in the second half, using a combination of hot shooting and aggressive defense to build a lead. The Jaguars' 54 second-half points were too much for James Madison to overcome, despite a strong effort from McBride and company. Cliff Davis and Preston Fowler provided supporting roles for the Dukes, scoring 13 and 12 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to stem the tide.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had James Madison narrowly edging South Alabama, but the Jaguars had other plans. The actual margin of victory was a convincing 7 points, a reflection of South Alabama's strength and depth. The win is particularly noteworthy given the resume implications, as it marks a Quadrant 3 victory for the Jaguars. For James Madison, the loss is a Quadrant 4 defeat, which could have negative consequences for their tournament chances.

As the season wears on, South Alabama's tournament resume continues to take shape. With a current net ranking of 201, the Jaguars are firmly in the mix for a postseason berth. This win will only help to bolster their case, as they continue to rack up impressive victories on the road. Meanwhile, James Madison's loss drops them to 9-11 on the season, and their net ranking of 240 leaves them with significant work to do if they hope to make a push for the tournament. The Dukes must regroup and refocus if they hope to turn their season around and make a late push for a postseason spot.