The Massachusetts Minutemen (7-10, 0-4 A10) will attempt to snap their five-game losing streak when they square off against the VCU Rams (12-5, 3-1 A10) at Stuart Siegel Center. The game will air on NBC Sports Network at 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
Massachusetts Minutemen vs. VCU Rams ATS Prediction
The last time the Minutemen played, they were defeated by the George Mason Patriots, 68-63. Making free throws was one of George Mason’s largest strengths. They were 20-22 (90.9 percent), while the Minutemen were just 6-14 (42.9 percent). Rashaan Holloway was Massachusetts’ high scorer with 11 points on 5-for-10 shooting.
The Rams defeated the Dayton Flyers in their last outing, 76-71. The Rams held the Flyers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.6 (below their season average of 26.0) and had a turnover percentage of 11.6 (better than their season average of 18.3). Marcus Evans was the top scorer from either team with 17 points on 6-for-13 shooting from the field.
After the Rams won the sole game against the Minutemen last season, 82-78, these teams will meet for the first time this year. VCU’s 0.619 effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Massachusetts, who had a mark of 0.515.
Massachusetts might have trouble putting up points as they face off against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. VCU currently ranks ninth in defensive efficiency, while the Minutemen rank 143rd in offensive efficiency.
Massachusetts Minutemen at VCU Rams Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – VCU, ATS Winner – Massachusetts, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
VCU ranks 31st in assists allowed per game (10.8) while Massachusetts ranks 192nd (15.1).
The Minutemen rank 72nd in rebounds allowed per game (33.5) while the Rams rank 226th (37.9).
VCU ranks 47th in steals per game (7.8) while Massachusetts ranks 181st (5.1).
The Rams rank 41st in blocks per game (4.4) while the Minutemen rank 102nd (3.3).
VCU is 45th in the country with 19.8 three pointers allowed per game while Massachusetts is 57th with 20.3 three pointers allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Minutemen have been outscored by an average of 8.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Massachusetts has defeated opponents by an average of 1.3 points.
During their last five games, the Rams have scored an average of 73.6 points per game (4.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.6 points per game (2.3 above their season average).
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