The VCU Rams (10-5) will attempt to extend a five-game winning streak when they compete against the Saint Louis Billikens (6-8) at Chaifetz Arena. The game starts at 4:00 pm ET on Sunday, Jan. 10 and will air on NBS.
The Billikens won a close one over George Washington 65-62 on Wednesday. Mike Crawford was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 7-for-9 shooting. The Rams, meanwhile, are coming off an 85-82 win over Saint Joseph’s on Tuesday. Melvin Johnson led the team in scoring with 25 points on 8-for-17 shooting.
Over the last five games, Johnson has been on fire for the Rams. During that stretch, he has averaged 21.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 2.2 steals, and 4.4 three-pointers.
It could be an error-filled game for the Billikens offense, which ranks 321st in the nation in ball protection (TO% of 21.4%). They’ll be facing the gambling VCU defense, which forces the seventh-most turnovers in the nation (25.1%).
Notes
In its last game, VCU won by a margin of three points. Saint Louis is 1-0 in games decided by a margin of three points or less. VCU has a 1-1 record in close games.
VCU beats Saint Louis in both possessions per game and points per possession. The Rams average 70.5 possessions and 1.069 points per possession, while the Billikens average 67.1 possessions with .954 points per possession.
Saint Louis has an average effective field goal percentage of 48.3%. VCU is a winning 7-3 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
On average, Saint Louis attempts 17.0 three pointers and VCU attempts 21.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Saint Louis Billikens are even at 2-2 while the VCU Rams have a tremendous 6-1 record.
The VCU Rams rank 39th in offensive rebounds. The Saint Louis Billikens rank 207th in the nation in defensive rebounds.
Ranked seventh, VCU averages a forced turnover percentage of 25.1% this season. When the Saint Louis Billikens suffer a turnover rate equal to or exceeding this, the team is winless with a 0-4 record.
