UL Monroe at James Madison

UL Monroe leans on its defense to stay competitive, sixth in the 14-team Sun Belt Conference in points given up and third in field goal shooting allowed (.418%). They had a one-point loss at Sam Houston, 63-62, as a +9 dog, a 74-64 win at Central Michigan as an underdog, and a cover at Appalachian State as a double-digit dog. James Madison is on a 95-128 spread run at home in conference action, including 48-70 ATS in January home contests. James Madison has cooled off, losing two of three. They were a 7-point favorite over Southern Miss and lost, 81-71, along with a 59-55 loss at home to Appalachian State in the last game as 7-point chalk. James Madison is 68-98 ATS at home after a defeat and 24-44 ATS at home after a game where they made 78%+ of their free throws. This is a look-ahead spot, as they have a showdown on deck against Marshall, the third-best team in the conference. Play UL Monroe plus the points, and grab a half-unit play on the generous moneyline.