HARRISONBURG, Va. (Interstat) — A pivotal Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball clash with postseason implications is set for Wednesday when the James Madison Dukes host the Georgia Southern Eagles at the JMU Convocation Center. Both teams enter the final stretch of the regular season with nearly identical records. James Madison (16-13 overall) holds a slight edge over Georgia Southern (15-14), making this a critical contest for seeding in the upcoming conference tournament. The Dukes arrive with momentum, having won four of their last five games. Their most recent outing was an 80-65 road victory at Georgia State on Feb. 21, powered by a 27-point performance from standout guard Cliff Davis. Davis has been on a scoring tear, averaging 22.1 points over his last seven games and hitting the 20-point mark in five of those contests. His backcourt leadership will be central to JMU’s attack. Georgia Southern looks to snap a two-game skid after falling 89-74 at Appalachian State on Saturday. Despite the loss, forward Alden Applewhite turned in a dominant performance with 24 points and seven rebounds. Applewhite has been the Eagles’ most consistent offensive threat, scoring 18 or more points in three of his last five games. Support from guards Tavarus Webb and Tyren Moore, who combined for 42 points in the loss to Appalachian State, will be essential. The teams’ only previous meeting this season was a classic, with Georgia Southern edging James Madison 96-92 in overtime on Dec. 20, 2025. That result ensures the Dukes will be motivated by revenge on their home floor, where they are 10-4 this season. The matchup features a compelling contrast: JMU’s surging backcourt star in Davis against Georgia Southern’s versatile forward in Applewhite. With both teams jockeying for position and a high-scoring recent history between them, Wednesday’s game promises significant intensity as the Sun Belt schedule winds down. James Madison hosts Coastal Carolina on Friday, while Georgia Southern travels to Marshall.