The Dayton Flyers (13-7, 5-2 Atlantic-10) take on the Rhode Island Rams (6-13, 2-5) Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET (CBS Sports). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Dayton vs. Rhode Island, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Dayton comes into this matchup after a disastrous 76-69 loss against George Washington on Saturday as 8.5-point favorites. With the 268th-ranked offense in the country (68.2 points per game), Dayton will rely on its elite defense to win this conference road game. Dayton ranks 10th in the nation allowing just 59.6 PPG.
The Rhode Island offense (66.9 points to rank 306th) does not pose many scoring challenges to the Flyers. There will be a lot of missed shots in this game as Dayton holds opponents to 38.1% from the field and the Rams rank 350th making just 39.9% of their shots. Expect a drag-out contest here as the Flyers look to get back on track against 1 of the worst teams in the Atlantic-10 Conference.
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+
Dayton at Rhode Island odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:46 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Dayton -425 (bet $425 to win $100) | Rhode Island +310 (bet $100 to win $310)
- Against the spread (ATS): Dayton -8.5 (-115) | Rhode Island +8.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 130.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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.
Dayton at Rhode Island picks and predictions
Prediction
Dayton 65, Rhode Island 53
PASS.
No wager on the line is worthwhile in this game. Dayton is fighting for the conference title while Rhode Island is in the A-10 cellar.
Despite the Rams being the home team, the chances for them to win is limited by their lack of offense and a stellar Dayton defense. But at over 4-1 odds, I will not make a wager on them here.
DAYTON -8.5 (-115).
Dayton’s defense will have a field day against a weak Rhode Island offense.
Shooting just 39.9% from the field, the Rams will find baskets difficult and Dayton will slowly pull away and hide in this game. It’s understandable if you are hesitant due to Dayton not covering the spread in any of its last 3 games, but do not bet on Rhode Island. Instead, just make a play on the total.
BET UNDER 130.5 (-110).
As we have stated, the Dayton defense is elite. Rhode Island, does not have an offense to overcome such a defense and it will struggle again here.
I do not expect the Rams to get to 60 in this game and I do not see Dayton getting to 70. This makes me hammer the Under 130.5 and I would take it down to 127.5 and feel comfortable.
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.
Follow Dominick Petrillo 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]