The Richmond Spiders (10-6) welcome the VCU Rams (12-5) in a matchup that pits the Atlantic 10’s top-ranked offense against the top-ranked defense. The game gets underway at 2:00 pm ET on Saturday, Jan. 16 and will air on CCS.
The Spiders easily got past La Salle 83-61 on Wednesday. Terry Allen fueled the Spiders, recording 26 points and 16 rebounds to notch his fifth double-double this season. The Rams are coming off an 88-54 win over Fordham on Wednesday. Justin Tillman had a good game, accumulating 27 points and 10 rebounds to claim his third double-double of the season.
Melvin Johnson has been on fire over the last five games for the Rams, averaging 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.4 steals, and 4.0 three-pointers.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball protection could play an integral role in this matchup. Richmond commits the 35th-fewest miscues in the nation (TO% of 16.2%), while the gambling defense of VCU forces the fourth-most (opponents’ TO% of 25.6%).
Notes
In its last game, VCU won by a margin of 34 points. Richmond is 5-1 in games decided by a margin of 18 points or more. VCU has a 7-0 record in blowouts.
The VCU Rams average 69.8 possessions per game and 1.087 points per possession. The Richmond Spiders earn fewer possessions with 69.3, but they score more points with 1.142.
Richmond has an average effective field goal percentage of 57.2%, ranked 10th in the nation. VCU is a winning 2-1 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
Richmond ranks among the best in the nation in assists at 24th (17.2 assists per game). VCU is ranked 89th with 15.1 assists per game.
The VCU Rams rank 56th in offensive rebounds. The Richmond Spiders rank 267th in the nation in defensive rebounds.
On average, Richmond forces a turnover rate of 19.1%. When VCU turns over the ball at a similar or higher rate, the team has a winning 3-1 record.
