The VCU Rams (17-6, 8-2 Atlantic 10) visit the Saint Louis Billikens (15-7, 7-2) on Friday with tip from Chaifetz Arena set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the VCU vs. Saint Louis odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
VCU took down Davidson 61-59 on Tuesday, but failed to cover as 4-point road favorites and has not covered in 2 straight games. VCU is 6-2 against the spread (ATS) in the last 8 games and is 9-12-2 ATS this season. The Rams’ defense has been outstanding, holding opponents to 63.2 points per game (tied for 29th-best in the nation).
The Billikens fell 75-65 to Fordham on Tuesday and failed to cover as 4-point road favorites. The loss broke a 6-game winning streak for them. The Billikens are 3-2 ATS in their last 5 and 4-6 ATS in their last 10 to fall to 10-11 ATS on the season. Saint Louis’ strength is its defense where it holds opponents to just 40.2% shooting from the field (35th).
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Can you survive? New pro and college basketball survivor pools are here at USA TODAY Sports! Free to play; terms and conditions apply. Join now!
VCU at Saint Louis odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:41 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): VCU +122 (bet $100 to win $122) | Saint Louis -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): VCU +2.5 (-105) | Saint Louis -2.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 141.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Catch the excitement and bet with Tipico
Double Down, Ohio! Deposit $200, Get $250. Bet now!
In Colorado and New Jersey, claim your 100% Deposit Match up to $250 now. Bet now! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions.
VCU at Saint Louis picks and predictions
Prediction
Saint Louis 65, VCU 63
Moneyline
BET SAINT LOUIS (-155).
Saint Louis has played well at home this season with a 10-2 home record while 3 of VCU’s 6 losses have come on the road. While both teams have had an impressive 10-game stretch, the home-court advantage will prove to be too much for VCU on Friday.
Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+
Against the spread
LEAN VCU +2.5 (-105).
VCU should be expected to keep this game close. The Rams are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games, 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following an outright win, and 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games against a team with a winning straight up record.
On the other hand, the Billikens are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 game against a team with a winning percentage of .600 or higher and only 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against a team with a winning straight up record.
The underdog is also 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings between these 2 programs.
While Saint Louis should take this game, VCU +2.5 (-105) is worth a play.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 141.5 (-115).
The Under is 5-1 in the Rams last 6 games overall and 4-1 in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
For Saint Louis, the Under is 5-0 in its last 5 Friday games and the Under is 10-3 in its last 13 games against a team with a winning straight up record.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Want action on this basketball game or any other sports contest? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in OH, CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
[mm-video type=playlist id=01fb7dafw2b08817yr player_id=01evcg1x9ny8tb834m image=]
Follow @seth_orlemann on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]