It will be a meeting between two superb defenses when the VCU Rams (21-6, 12-2 A10) square off with the Saint Louis Billikens (17-10, 8-6 A10) at Stuart Siegel Center. Action gets underway at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, and can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
Saint Louis Billikens vs. VCU Rams Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Rams won big over the George Washington Colonials, 85-57, while the Billikens fell to the Dayton Flyers, 70-62.
VCU dominated every stat category in the contest. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.333 (above their season average of 0.257) and a turnover percentage of 11.3 (better than their season average of 18.0). For those same stats, George Washington recorded marks of 0.167 and 20.4, respectively. Saint Louis, meanwhile, forced Dayton into a turnover percentage of 20.9 (above their season average of 16.1). VCU received a boost from Marcus Evans, who had 25 points. Tramaine Isabell was a key piece for Saint Louis with 23 points and seven assists.
The Rams won the only contest between these two teams last year, 75-74. VCU had a much better turnover percentage (13.5 vs. 19.4). Saint Louis, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (43.9 vs. 21.1). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this matchup between a pair of the nation’s premier defenses. VCU ranks second in defensive efficiency (88.9) and Saint Louis is 33rd (95.5). Moreover, the Billikens, who rank 26th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.9 percent), will face off against the Rams, who rank 269th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.7 percent).
Saint Louis Billikens at VCU Rams Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – VCU, ATS Winner – VCU, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Saint Louis ranks 25th in rebounds per game (39.3) while VCU ranks 186th in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
- The Rams rank 27th in steals per game (7.9) while the Billikens rank 108th in steals allowed per game (6.3).
- VCU ranks 27th in assists allowed per game (10.8) while Saint Louis ranks 65th (11.9).
- The Rams rank 121st in three pointers attempted per game (23.1) while the Billikens rank 275th (18.6).
- VCU ranks 28th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Saint Louis ranks 115th (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Rams have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (7.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 56.4 points per game (5.3 below their season average).
- The Billikens’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 2.7 for the season.
