The James Madison Dukes (1-0) and Kent State Golden Flashes (1-0) will battle each other in the MAC-SBC Challenge. The Golden Flashes are slightly favored with a point spread of -3.5 (-110).

The Dukes recorded their first win of the season after defeating the fourth-ranked Michigan State Spartans 79-76 in overtime. This was a huge upset to start the season and marks the second time ever that the Dukes have defeated a team that was even ranked in the top 25.

After this incredible win, they are first in the Sun Belt and have a great opportunity to build from this. Last season, they finished with a 22-11 record and went 12-6 in conference play, finishing fourth. 

They averaged 80.5 points per game last year, ranking 14^th in the nation. Their efforts to be efficient were at a rating of 109.8 (54^th). Compared to last season, they already had a good start to their offense against the Spartans.

Their defense was also respectable, as they allowed teams to average 68.1 points per game (119^th). They were also efficient on defense, with a rating of 92.8 (14^th). They could have a strong season with slight improvements from a year ago.

The Golden Flashes are coming off of a 79-58 win over Malone University. This was a close battle to start, as the Golden Flashes had a three point lead at the half. However, they scored 43 points in the second half to push them further ahead.

They capped off their previous season with a 28-7 record (15-3 in MAC) and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament. Despite coming up short in the second round, they were able to have a successful season with a MAC tournament win and at least obtained a win in the first round of the bigger tournament.

Last season, they averaged 76.1 points per game (73^rd) and allowed 65.9 (55^th). Their efficiency for both came in at 69^th and 22^nd, respectively.

MyBookie has the odds currently set, with the Kent State Golden Flashes as favorites to win. So far, market analysis has the Golden Flashes winning with a probability of 69.4 percent.

The Dukes had an outstanding win over a quality team that they were not supposed to beat, whereas the Golden Flashes had a close encounter with a school that many did not know existed. Look for the Dukes to come away with this one.