It will be a battle between A10 opponents when the Richmond Spiders (18-6, 8-3 A10) welcome the VCU Rams (17-7, 7-4 A10) to the Robins Center. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 15, 2020.
VCU Rams vs. Richmond Spiders ATS Prediction
In the Rams’ last matchup, they were defeated by the George Mason Patriots, 72-67. George Mason won the rebounding battle. The Patriots had 15 offensive rebounds and 48 total rebounds, while the Rams had eight and 27, respectively. VCU’s Issac Vann played well, finishing with 13 points.
The Spiders dismantled the La Salle Explorers in their last game, 74-47. The Spiders, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.4, had an absurd mark of 33.3, while the Explorers had a free throw rate of 0.070 (below their season average of 0.209). Grant Golden was the top scorer from either team with 16 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the field.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball security could play a key role in this battle. Richmond commits the 15th-fewest miscues in the nation (turnover percentage of 15.7 percent), while the pesky defense of VCU forces the seventh-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 25.7 percent).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Spiders lost 87-68. Golden led both teams with 24 points and also recorded eight rebounds. The Rams had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.8 vs. 21.2) and had a much better turnover percentage (14.0 vs. 19.2).
VCU Rams vs. Richmond Spiders Free Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Richmond, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
VCU ranks 39th in three pointers allowed per game (18.8) while Richmond ranks 223rd (23.8).
The Rams rank 28th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Spiders rank 156th (2.6).
Richmond ranks 32nd in steals per game (8.2) while VCU ranks 135th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
The Spiders rank 31st in assists per game (15.2) while the Rams rank 108th (13.7).
The Rams’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.8, down from 8.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Spiders have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (3.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.6 points per game (1.9 below their season average).