The Rhode Island Rams (7-5) travel to Saint Louis to play the Billikens (9-4) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game will air on ESPNU at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 6, 2019.
Rhode Island Rams at Saint Louis Billikens Betting Prediction
In the Rams’ last game, they blew out the Bryant Bulldogs, 97-63. The Rams had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.576 vs. 0.382) and had a much better turnover percentage (10.9 vs. 15.9). Rhode Island was lifted by Jeff Dowtin, who contributed 17 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.
The Billikens defeated the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks in their last game, 75-65. The Billikens had a much better free throw rate (0.352 vs. 0.138) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.6 vs. 17.6). With 18 points and five rebounds, Javon Bess had a good game for Saint Louis.
After the Rams won the sole game against the Billikens last season, 72-65, these teams will battle for the first time this year. Rhode Island had a much better turnover percentage (14.5 vs. 21.7). Saint Louis, meanwhile, did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (24-30; 80.0 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Dowtin (0 points) has been fantastic for the Rams while Bess (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Billikens.
The ineffective offense of Saint Louis (294th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 98.7) will face off against the top-notch defense of Rhode Island (53rd in the country with a defensive efficiency of 93.5). The Rams figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Rhode Island Rams vs. Saint Louis Billikens Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Saint Louis, ATS Winner – Saint Louis, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Saint Louis ranks 38th in rebounds per game (39.9) while Rhode Island ranks 154th in rebounds allowed per game (35.6).
The Billikens rank 20th in three pointers allowed per game (18.8) while the Rams rank 95th (21.5).
Rhode Island ranks 49th in steals per game (7.8) while Saint Louis ranks 120th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
The Rams average 4.3 blocks per game, which ranks 47th in the country. The Billikens rank 73rd in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
Saint Louis is 44th in the country with 11.2 assists allowed per game while Rhode Island is 45th with 11.2 assists allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Rams’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.0, up from 5.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Billikens have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (1.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.0 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
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