The Rhode Island Rams (12-3, 4-0 A10) will attempt to extend their seven-game winning streak against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies (12-4, 2-2 A10) at Thomas M. Ryan Center. The game can be seen on ESPNU at 11 a.m. ET on Saturday, January 13, 2018.
St. Bonaventure Bonnies at Rhode Island Rams Free Prediction
In the Bonnies’ last contest, they beat the Fordham Rams, 77-61. The Bonnies held the Rams to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.9 (below their season average of 20.0) and had a better turnover percentage (14.2 vs. 16.7). With 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting, LaDarien Griffin was the top scorer from either team.
The Rams beat the Saint Louis Billikens in their last game, 72-65. Rhode Island’s 14.5 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Saint Louis, who had a mark of 21.7. The Rams’ mark was worse than their season average of 13.4, while the Billikens’ was above their season average of 16.7. With 17 points and 10 rebounds, Rhode Island’s Andre Berry had a good game.
Ball protection could play a significant role in this meeting. Rhode Island commits the 16th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 15.6 percent), while the pesky defense of St. Bonaventure forces the 39th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.7 percent). Furthermore, the Bonnies, who rank fifth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.326), will face off against the Rams, who rank 328th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.309).
E.C. Matthews has averaged 16.0 points over the last five games for Rhode Island.
After the Rams won both meetings against the Bonnies last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last game, Rhode Island won 74-63. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Rhode Island’s biggest advantages. They made 36 trips to the line, while St. Bonaventure went just 18 times.
St. Bonaventure Bonnies at Rhode Island Rams ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – St. Bonaventure, ATS Winner – St. Bonaventure, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Rhode Island ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (14.0) while St. Bonaventure ranks 175th (23.3).
The Rams rank 21st in assists allowed per game (10.5) while the Bonnies rank 97th (12.9).
Rhode Island ranks 78th in blocks per game (3.8) while St. Bonaventure ranks 115th in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
The Rams average 8.1 steals per game, which ranks 32nd in the NCAA. The Bonnies rank 45th in steals allowed per game (5.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Bonnies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 8.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rams have scored an average of 78.0 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 62.2 points per game (4.7 below their season average).
