A10 foes will clash when the La Salle Explorers (11-16, 5-9 A10) clash with the No. 18 Rhode Island Rams (21-4, 13-1 A10) at Tom Gola Arena. The games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 147 points with Rhode Island set as a 7-point favorite. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, and it can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
Rhode Island Rams vs. La Salle Explorers ATS Preview
In the Rams last game, they lost a tough one against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies, 77-74. Rhode Island’s Cyril Langevine contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds in the game. St. Bonaventure forced the Rams into a turnover percentage of 21.0 (above their season average of 13.6). Rhode Island, meanwhile, held the Bonnies to an effective field goal percentage of 0.452 (below their season average of 0.521).
The Explorers hope to keep it rolling after defeating the George Mason Patriots in their last game, 69-62. With 20 points on 9-for-11 shooting, Tony Washington was the top scorer from either team. The Explorers held the Patriots to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.2 (below their season average of 28.3). The Patriots had a free throw rate of 0.155 (below their season average of 0.240).
Ball security could play a significant role in this contest. La Salle commits the 39th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.4 percent), while the pesky defense of Rhode Island forces the seventh-most (opponents turnover percentage of 23.7 percent).
Both of these teams tend to go over the projected point total. Games involving Rhode Island have finished over 56.5 percent of the time, while 65.4 percent of La Salle games have finished over. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Rams have a sizable advantage. They are 21-4 SU and 13-8-2 ATS, while the Explorers are 11-16 SU and 8-16-2 ATS.
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined for 136 points in that game, which was under the projected point total of 143. The Rams won 74-62, covering as 12-point favorites. Rhode Island had a much better turnover percentage (13.8 vs. 24.2). La Salle, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (14-19; 73.7 percent). E.C. Matthews scored a game-high 24 points.
Rhode Island Rams at La Salle Explorers Betting Prediction
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Rhode Island, ATS Winner – Rhode Island, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Rams rank 208th in rebounds per game (33.9) while the Explorers rank 216th in rebounds allowed per game (36.4).
- Rhode Island is 5-5-1 ATS on the road, while La Salle is 5-7 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 8 of the Rams 11 road games, while 9 of the Explorers 12 home games have gone over.
- La Salle ranks 124th in three pointers attempted per game (22.6) while Rhode Island ranks 263rd (18.2).
- The Rams rank 34th in steals per game (7.6) while the Explorers rank 144th (5.9).
- Rhode Island is 32nd in the NCAA with 11.2 assists allowed per game while La Salle is 58th with 11.9 assists allowed per game.
Betting Trends:
- La Salle is 0-5 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Rhode Island is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Explorers average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.0, up from 1.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Rams have scored an average of 79.4 points per game (2.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.8 points per game (4.0 above their season average).
