In their final home game of the season, the George Washington Colonials (13-16, 6-10 A10) host the Fordham Rams (9-19, 4-12 A10) at Charles E. Smith Center. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 28, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 129 points with George Washington set as a 9-point favorite.
Fordham Rams at George Washington Colonials Free Prediction
The Rams are trying to rebound after their 73-60 loss to the La Salle Explorers in their last outing. La Salle’s rebounding was their largest strength. The Explorers had 10 offensive rebounds and 41 total rebounds, while the Rams had five and 24, respectively. Will Tavares was Fordham’s high scorer with 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting.
The last time the Colonials played, they lost to the Saint Louis Billikens, 62-53. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Saint Louis’ largest strengths. They had 31 free throw attempts, while George Washington had 19. George Washington’s Arnaldo Toro recorded 14 points and 16 rebounds in the contest.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams face off. George Washington ranks 326th in possessions per game (65.7) and Fordham is 305th (66.6). Moreover, the Rams, who rank 324th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.191), will clash against the Colonials, who rank 43rd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.193).
Fordham holds records of 9-19 straight up (SU) and 7-17 against the spread (ATS). Of the Rams’ 24 games with betting action, 13 have finished under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, George Washington is 13-16 SU and 10-15 ATS. Contrary to Fordham, Colonials games have a slight tendency to finish over the O/U total (52.0 percent).
Yuta Watanabe and Toro have been playing well over the last five games for George Washington. Watanabe has averaged 21.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Not to be outdone, Toro has recorded 12.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks a game during that span.
After the Colonials won the lone game against the Rams last season, 67-66, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. Getting to the free throw line was one of George Washington’s biggest strengths. They made 26 trips to the line, while Fordham went just five times.
Fordham Rams at George Washington Colonials ATS Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – George Washington, ATS Winner – Fordham, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Fordham is 4-8 ATS with 6 overs and 6 unders.
George Washington is 7-5 ATS at home with 8 overs and 4 unders.
Fordham ranks 47th in three pointers attempted per game (25.4) while George Washington ranks 278th (17.6).
The Colonials rank 97th in rebounds allowed per game (33.6) while the Rams rank 277th (38.6).
George Washington ranks 22nd in blocks per game (5.0) while Fordham ranks 184th (2.5).
The Rams rank fifth in steals per game (9.3) while the Colonials rank 142nd (6.0).
George Washington ranks 117th in assists allowed per game (13.1) while Fordham ranks 252nd (15.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Fordham is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
George Washington is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Rams’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.0, up from 7.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Colonials have scored an average of 76.8 points per game (10.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (2.3 below their season average).
