The Richmond Spiders (15-5, 5-2 A10) travel to VCU to take on the Rams (15-5, 5-2 A10) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against superb defense. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Richmond Spiders vs. VCU Rams Betting Prediction
In the Spiders’ last outing, they were topped by the No. 7 Dayton Flyers, 87-79. One of Dayton’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 29 trips to the line, while Richmond went 20 times. Jacob Gilyard was the top scorer from either team with 29 points on 9-for-17 shooting.
The Rams defeated the La Salle Explorers in their last outing, 76-65. The Rams made 14 of their 19 free throws (73.7 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (17.9 vs. 19.7). Marcus Santos-Silva was VCU’s top scorer with 16 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the field.
After the Rams won both meetings against the Spiders last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last contest, VCU won 69-66. The Rams had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.0 vs. 19.4) and had a better free throw rate (0.185 vs. 0.160).
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Richmond ranks 56th in offensive efficiency and VCU ranks 18th in defensive efficiency.
Richmond vs. VCU ATS Pick
Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – VCU, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
VCU ranks 28th in blocks per game (4.8) while Richmond ranks 150th (2.7).
The Spiders rank 53rd in steals per game (7.9) while the Rams rank 136th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
Richmond ranks 34th in assists per game (15.5) while VCU ranks 112th (13.7).
The Rams rank 131st in three pointers attempted per game (22.4) while the Spiders rank 207th in three pointers allowed per game (23.6).
VCU ranks 180th in rebounds per game (34.9) while Richmond ranks 235th (33.3).
The Spiders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.0, down from 7.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rams have scored an average of 72.2 points per game (0.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (4.3 above their season average).
