VCU vs. Rhode Island Predictions, Odds

• February 3, 2021
• By Thom Cunningham
• VegasInsider.com

The VCU Rams enter a crucial bubble game on Wednesday against the Rhode Island Rams. Tip for this crucial VCU game is set for 7 p.m. (ET) and will air on ESPN+.

BETTING RESOURCES

• Expert Picks: Vegas Insiders
• Conference: A-10
• Venue: Ryan Center
• Location: Kingston, Rhode Island
• Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2021
• Time: 7:00 p.m.
• TV: ESPN+
• Bet: BetMGM | FanDuel | DraftKings | Best Sportsbooks

WHERE TO BET VCU-RHODE ISLAND

• Virginia
• Pennsylvania
• New Jersey
• West Virginia
• Tennessee
• Iowa
• Michigan
• Indiana
• Illinois
• Nevada
• Colorado
• New Hampshire

VCU-Rhode Island Betting Odds

Line Movements

• Spread: VCU -1
• Money-Line: VCU -115 Rhode Island -105
• Total: 136.5

Odds Subject to Change

VCU is the road favorite, given a -1-point spread. They have covered the spread in nine of 16 games this season, while Rhode Island is 8-7-1 on the ATS.

The point total is set at 136.5, which could go either way based on team trends. Although VCU has gone UNDER the point total in 10 of 16 games, Rhode Island has gone OVER in 10 of 18 games played.

Betting Analysis – VCU Rams

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 12-4
• ATS: 9-7
• SU - Home: 7-1
• SU - Away: 5-3
• O/U: 6-10

VCU goes UNDER a lot due to the solid defense it plays. The Rams average 65.1 points allowed per game which ranks 61st nationally. They also hold the nation's 18th-most efficient defense with a rating at 89.2.

The above stats don't quite explain just how good this defense can be. VCU averages the second-most steals per game nationally (10.6) and the fifth-most blocks per game nationally (5.9). They also hold the nation's 45th-best free throw percentage (75.2%) and the nation's 86th-best field goal percentage (45.9%).

Nah'Shone Hyland is the playmaker on both sides of the court for VCU, leading the team in steals and points per game. Hason Ward is responsible for a large portion of the VCU blocks success, along with Corey Douglas averaging 1.5 per game.

Adrian Balwin leads the Rams in assists per game, while Vince Williams averages 10.6 points per game. This team is good in all the right areas (defense and paint), and have a clear identity with multiple players playing their roles with conviction. This is a dark horse in the A-10, although the conference might only have room for one March Madness team.

This is a massive game for VCU, trying to keepsake with St. Bonaventure. Although the conference tournament will probably decide the only A-10 bid, VCU doesn't want to drop a road game to a very difficult Rhode Island team - so expect a focused and determined VCU team. The youth is a concern in that regard, but overall this is a well-rounded squad that plays lock down defense.

Betting Analysis – Rhode Island Rams

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 9-9
• ATS: 9-8-1
• SU - Home: 3-3
• SU - Away: 7-1
• O/U: 10-8

Rhode Island has had a tough season, losing multiple close games but competing well in almost all of them. The Rams are a tough outing for any team. They beat Seton Hall earlier this season, along with playing both Wisconsin and WesternKentucky in very close games.

They also beat VCU already, as both Fatts Russell and Jeremy Sheppard each scored 20 or more points. Rhode Island shot 57.1% from beyond the arc in that game, also making as many free throws as VCU attempted.

Rhode Island dominated the boards against VCU, as they a average 28.6 defensive rebounds per game which ranks 26th nationally. Both Antwan Walker andMakhel Mitchell are the main reasons as to why Rhode Island dominates on the defensive glass.

Look for Rhode Island to replicate the success from game one, but don't count on it working. It's difficult to shoot over 50% from three in any game, so lightning striking twice seems unlikely. If Rhode Island was a good three-point shooting team then the concern would be real, but they're not.

The Rams rank 310th nationally in three-pointers attempted per game (17.8), while also shooting 32.8% from three on the season which ranks 213th.

Inside the Stats – VCU Rams

• PS/G: 74.2 (123rd)
• PA/G: 65.1 (61st)
• Off Rtg: 101.7 (183rd)
• Def Rtg: 89.2 (18th)

Inside the Stats – Rhode Island Rams

• PS/G: 71.8 (178th)
• PA/G: 68.6 (141st)
• Off Rtg: 99.8 (215th)
• Def Rtg: 95.4 (90th)

Key Players to Watch

• VCU - Nah'Shon Hyland (18.9 PPG)
• VCU - Vince Williams (10.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG)
• RIU - Fatts Russell (14.5 PPG, 4 RPG, 4.1 APG)
• RIU - Jeremy Stephens (11.6 PPG)

VCU-Rhode Island Predictions

Despite the low spread, this is a very difficult game to wager. The point total is a bit high for how many points teams are scoring against both schools recently, but they both average over 70 a game.

The thought of a very important game, with revenge on VCU's mind, might see a one of these schools touch their season average (over 70). If the oddsmakers are correct in thinking this will be a close game, then it should actually go OVEr by a few points.

If you must pick a spread winner, try to home Rams and go with the ML for plus-value. If you fancy VCU then live bet for plus-value, as its unlikely VCU leads the entire game.

• Score Prediction: Rhode Island 70 VCU 68
• Best Bets: OVER

Why Bet at WynnBet?

Why Not is the appropriate answer! For starters, WynnBet is an "Independent Sportsbook" and it differentiates itself from the competition.

WynnBET sports betting covers all the most popular options, from football to cricket. It offers betting markets for college and professional sports, focusing on US leagues such as the NFL, the NBA, and the NHL.

For mobile users, the numerous selections on the Betting App at your disposal is more impressive. Most notably, you'll get to enjoy in-play wagering, which is unavailable in the land-based establishment.