VCU Rams (21-7 overall, 14-3 A-10 conference) has been one of the hottest teams in America, winning its last eight games to keep pressure on Davidson for the Atlantic 10 regular-season crown. The Rams can still claim a piece of the regular season A-10 title if VCU wins its final game and Davidson loses its final game. VCU has been strong on the road this season, compiling a 9-1 record in true road games.
The Billikens (20-10, 11-6) have hit a bit of a rough patch in the schedule, losing four of their last seven games to fall into fifth place. Saint Louis Billikens need to build momentum before the A10 Tournament because the Billikens will need help to make one of the postseason tournaments. When Saint Louis is on its game, the Billikens can be difficult to handle. Saint Louis beats its opponents by a margin of 9.7 points per game.
VCU at Saint Louis Stats
Matchup Information
Looking at the VCU Rams stats
VCU’s defense has been outstanding throughout the season. The Rams have a top-60 defense nationally, limiting opponents to 65.2 points per game. VCU makes it difficult for opponents to get the ball to the rim, blocking an average of 5.0 shots per game.
Opponents only shoot 26.4 percent from the 3-point line against the Rams. VCU also only allows its opponents to shoot 38.6 percent from the field. The Rams have struggled to protect the glass, being outrebounded by 2.1 rebounds per game.
Vince Williams is VCU’s leading 3-point shooter, having made 52 on the year, and he leads the team by averaging 12.8 points per game. Adrian Baldwin Jr. (11.1 points per game) and KeShawn Curry (10.7) also average in double figures scoring. The Rams have struggled from the free-throw line, only shooting 69.1 percent.
Looking at the Saint Louis Billikens stats
Saint Louis’ Gibson Jimerson is the Billikens’ top shooting threat, having made a team-high 68 3-pointers and averages 16.1 points per game. Yuri Collins (11.0 points per game) and Francis Okoro (10.8) also average in double figures scoring for Saint Louis. The Billikens lead the Atlantic 10 in scoring offense, averaging 77.7 points per game.
Saint Louis also ranks third in the A10 in field goal percentage, knocking down 46.3 percent of its shots. The Billikens are also third in 3-point field goal percentage, making 37.1 percent of their attempts. Despite shooting a good percentage from the outside, Saint Louis ranks ninth in the conference by knocking down 6.8 treys per game.
The Billikens have been effective on the glass, outrebounding their opponents by 6.5 rebounds per game. Saint Louis also averages 6.7 steals and 3.2 blocks per game. The Billikens are 13-4 at home this season. Saint Louis outscores its opponents by 188 in the first halves of games this season.
Betting Trends for VCU at Saint Louis
- VCU is 18-10 against the spread.
- Saint Louis is 71-11-1 against the spread.
- The Rams have seen the over go 14-14 in their games this season.
- The total has gone over in 15 of the Billikens’ 29 games.
- VCU has gone 2-8 against the spread over the past ten games.
Who to Bet VCU Rams at Saint Louis Billikens
VCU has been one of the best teams in the country in true road games. The Rams have plenty to play for by knocking off a strong Saint Louis team.
The Billikens, however, are also equally motivated as they are clinging to their postseason hopes. VCU’s defense will need to be more committed on the boards to slow down Saint Louis.
The Billikens will take advantage of their superior rebounding to steal a win at home and end VCU’s lengthy winning streak. Expect the game to be close until late in the second half, when Saint Louis will pull away with its superior free-throw shooting. The Billikens shoot 76.3 percent from the charity stripe, while the Rams struggle knock down free throws.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.