The Rhode Island Rams (16-5, 8-1 A10) will attempt to continue their eight-game winning streak against the Massachusetts Minutemen (9-13, 3-6 A10) at Thomas M. Ryan Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Massachusetts Minutemen at Rhode Island Rams Free Prediction
In the Minutemen’s last matchup, they were dismantled by the Davidson Wildcats, 85-50. Davidson’s 0.279 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Massachusetts, who had a mark of 0.103. The Wildcats’ mark was above their season average of 0.209, while the Minutemen’s was below their season average of 0.223. Tre Mitchell led Massachusetts in scoring with 14 points on 5-for-14 shooting.
The Rams beat the VCU Rams in their last outing, 87-75. Rhode Island made 26 of their 33 free throws (78.8 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 50.0 (above their season average of 30.7). Fatts Russell was the game’s high scorer with 30 points on 6-for-15 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. The Rams won the last game 94-75. The Rams had a much better turnover percentage (13.2 vs. 22.1) and had a better free throw rate (0.228 vs. 0.143).
When looking at effective field goal percentage, Rhode Island figures to have a significant advantage. The Rams defense ranks 95th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.469), while the Massachusetts offense is ranked 202nd in effective field goal percentage (0.495).
Massachusetts Minutemen vs. Rhode Island Rams Betting Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Rhode Island, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Rhode Island ranks 39th in rebounds per game (39.4) while Massachusetts ranks 258th (32.5).
The Minutemen rank 30th in three pointers allowed per game (18.3) while the Rams rank 205th (23.3).
Rhode Island averages 8.8 steals per game, which ranks 20th in the country. Massachusetts ranks 182nd in steals allowed per game (7.3).
The Minutemen rank 11th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Rams rank 95th (3.2).
Rhode Island averages 12.9 assists per game, which ranks 156th in the country. Massachusetts ranks 217th in assists allowed per game (14.8).
The Minutemen’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.0, up from 3.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rams have scored an average of 77.8 points per game (3.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (2.2 below their season average).
