It will be a battle between A10 opponents when the La Salle Explorers (6-6, 1-1 A10) welcome the VCU Rams (9-6, 1-1 A10) to Tom Gola Arena. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018, and will air on NBC Sports Network.
VCU Rams vs. La Salle Explorers Betting Prediction
In the Rams’ last outing, they were defeated by the Saint Joseph’s Hawks, 87-81. One of Saint Joseph’s’ biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 38 trips to the line, while VCU went just seven times. Justin Tillman was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 11-for-16 shooting.
The Explorers were beaten by the Rhode Island Rams in their last game, 74-62. Rhode Island’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over La Salle. The Rams had a rate of 13.8 (worse than their season average of 13.3), while the Explorers posted a mark of 24.2 (above their season average of 13.7). With 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists, Pookie Powell had a solid game for La Salle.
VCU could have a tough time creating turnovers. La Salle ranks 34th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.4 percent), while VCU forces the 208th-most turnovers (19.0 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Tillman (22.0 points and 10.6 rebounds) has been fantastic for the Rams while Powell (21.8 points and 3.6 assists) has made great contributions to the Explorers.
After the Rams won the only game against the Explorers last season, 90-52, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Rams had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.629 vs. 0.349) and had a much better turnover percentage (12.4 vs. 20.9).
VCU Rams at La Salle Explorers ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – VCU, ATS Winner – VCU, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
La Salle ranks 32nd in three pointers allowed per game (18.6) while VCU ranks 134th (22.1).
The Rams rank 91st in rebounds per game (37.8) while the Explorers rank 149th in rebounds allowed per game (35.5).
La Salle ranks 44th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while VCU ranks 77th (3.3).
The Explorers rank 123rd in steals per game (6.3) while the Rams rank 145th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Rams’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.4, up from 3.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Explorers have scored an average of 77.8 points per game (3.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.8 points per game (2.9 above their season average).
