The Virginia Cavaliers (2-0) visit VCU to take on the Rams (2-0) in a game that has the potential to be low-scoring. The games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 133.5 points with Virginia opening as a 7-point favorite. Action begins at 4 p.m. ET on Friday, November 17, 2017, and it can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
Virginia Cavaliers vs. VCU Rams Betting Preview
The Cavaliers easily got past the Austin Peay Governors in their last outing, 93-49. Devon Hall was the games leading scorer with 19 points on 6-for-9 shooting. Virginia dominated every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.6 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.1. Austin Peay recorded marks of 27.6 and 22.6, respectively, for those same stats.
In the Rams last matchup, they defeated the North Florida Ospreys, 95-85. With 27 points on 13-for-17 shooting, Justin Tillman was the top scorer from either team. VCU played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.222 and a turnover percentage of 9.8. North Florida was 0.052 and 16.9, respectively, for those same stats.
Points could be at a premium in this matchup between a pair of the nations best defenses. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, VCU ranks 39th in defensive efficiency (97.1) and Virginia is fourth (92.0). Also, the Cavaliers rank 18th in turnover percentage (15.9 percent), while the Rams rank 46th in opponents turnover percentage (21.1 percent).
Since last season, the Cavaliers are 24-10 straight up (SU) and 19-15 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has had a tendency to set the total high when Virginia is involved since last season as 61.8 percent of their games have gone under the projected point total.
The Rams have had a phenomenal 28-8 SU record since last season, but are just 12-18-1 ATS. VCUs games have finished over the projected point total 58.1 percent of the time over that same time frame.
Virginia Cavaliers at VCU Rams Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Rams rank 18th in three pointers allowed per game (17.6) while the Cavaliers rank 72nd (19.4).
- Virginia ranks fifth in assists allowed per game (9.7) while VCU ranks 23rd (10.8).
- VCU ranks 104th in rebounds per game (36.9) while Virginia ranks 286th (32.8).
- The Rams rank 40th in steals per game (7.5) while the Cavaliers rank 196th (5.7).
- Virginia ranks 30th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while VCU ranks 176th (3.7).
