MERCYHURST LAKERS @ JAMES MADISON DUKES

A first meeting between the programs

Sunday’s game is the first-ever meeting between James Madison and Mercyhurst men’s basketball, so there is no head-to-head history to lean on.

Rainwater remains sidelined

Mercyhurst forward Tennessee Rainwater is out with an injury until at least December, according to the Lakers’ latest preview.

Mercyhurst showed fight, but struggled inside late

The Lakers pulled even at 37 against Penn State before losing 72-55; Penn State finished with a 36-20 advantage in points in the paint.

JMU returns home after its road swing

The Dukes return home after consecutive road games, including a 71-61 win at Delaware, with Sunday’s game scheduled for 4 p.m. in Harrisonburg.

Myers and Sundra provide recent production

Adrian Myers scored 19 points in the Delaware win, while Garrett Sundra grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds, giving JMU recent production beyond Brandon Lee.

Pick Ideas

Angles drawn from the matchup analysis above and refreshed as the news changes. They are a separate read from the LineCrush pick for this matchup, so the two can land on different sides.

Avoid the expensive JMU moneyline

With JMU around -900 and Mercyhurst +733 and no spread or total posted, avoid the expensive moneyline and wait for a spread market.

Mercyhurst team total under, if the number is 63.5 or higher

Mercyhurst is averaging 52.0 points through three recent completed games and has shot just 21.3% from three, supporting an under at 63.5 or higher.

Jake Lemelman assists over 5.5, if offered

Consider Jake Lemelman over 5.5 assists only at 5.5 or lower; he is averaging six assists per game and remains Mercyhurst’s primary facilitator.