The VCU Rams (16-12, 8-7 A10) will try to put an end to the nine-game winning streak of St. Bonaventure when they welcome the Bonnies (21-6, 11-4 A10) to Stuart Siegel Center. St. Bonaventure opened as a 2.5-point favorite, while the games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 154.5 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018, and it can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
St. Bonaventure Bonnies vs. VCU Rams Betting Preview
In the Bonnies last matchup, they were victorious over the Duquesne Dukes, 73-67. With 13 points and 10 rebounds, St. Bonaventure’s Amadi Ikpeze played well. The Bonnies knocked down 29 of their 33 free throws (87.9 percent) and held the Dukes to an effective field goal percentage of 0.389 (below their season average of 0.494).
The Rams come in on a high note after defeating the Massachusetts Minutemen in their last game, 82-78. VCU was lifted by Justin Tillman, who led the team in scoring with 26 points on 11-for-17 shooting. VCU’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Massachusetts. The Rams had a rate of 0.619 (above their season average of 0.520), while the Minutemen posted a mark of 0.515.
Opposite tempos will be on display in this contest. VCU has preferred an up-and-down style of play (72nd in possessions per game), while St. Bonaventure has been more methodical (212th in possessions per game).
Of St. Bonaventure’s 24 games with betting action, 13 have finished over the O/U total, while 13 of VCU’s 24 games have finished over the O/U total. The Bonnies have the clear advantage straight up (SU) (21-6 vs. 16-12), but both teams have the same against the spread (ATS) record (12-12).
Jaylen Adams has really been playing well over the last five games for St. Bonaventure, averaging 28.8 points, 6.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game.
This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year, after the Rams won the only contest last season, 83-77. VCU out-rebounded St. Bonaventure. The Rams had more offensive rebounds (14 vs. seven), defensive rebounds (28 vs. 23) and total rebounds (42 vs. 30).
St. Bonaventure Bonnies vs. VCU Rams Free Prediction
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – St. Bonaventure, ATS Winner – St. Bonaventure, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Rams rank 93rd in rebounds per game (36.6) while the Bonnies rank 150th in rebounds allowed per game (34.6).
- VCU ranks 163rd in blocks per game (2.8) while St. Bonaventure ranks 167th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
- VCU is 7-5 ATS at home, while St. Bonaventure is 6-7 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone under in 8 of the Rams 12 home games, while 7 of the Bonnies 13 road games have gone over.
- St. Bonaventure ranks 37th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while VCU ranks 179th (7.1).
- The Rams rank 115th in three pointers attempted per game (22.9) while the Bonnies rank 253rd (18.8).
- St. Bonaventure averages 14.3 assists per game, which ranks 110th in the nation. VCU ranks 203rd in assists allowed per game (14.5).
Betting Trends:
- VCU is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, St. Bonaventure is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Rams have been outscored by an average of 5.6 points in their last five games. On the season, VCU has defeated opponents by an average of 0.8 points.
- During their last five games, the Bonnies have scored an average of 81.0 points per game (3.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.6 points per game (0.9 above their season average).
