March Madness: VCU vs. BYU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s VCU vs. BYU odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 6 seed BYU Cougars (24-9) and the No. 11 seed VCU Rams (28-6) meet Thursday at Ball Arena in Denver in an NCAA Tournament East Region first-round Game. Tip-off is scheduled for approximately 4:05 p.m ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the BYU vs. VCU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

BYU was pounded 74-54 by the Houston Cougars in the Big 12 semifinals last Friday, splashing cold water on a 9-game win streak. BYU is still a very impressive 8-2 against the spread (ATS) in its last 10 contests. The Over is 3-1 in the past 4 games, and 10-3-1 across the previous 14 outings.

Cougars G Richie Saunders leads the team at 16.0 points per game (PPG), while adding 4.4 rebounds per game (RPG). He also hits 51.4% from the field, and 43.7% from behind the 3-point line. He was one of just 2 players (G Egor Demin – 10.4 PPG) to average double digits in points in the regular season.

BYU hasn’t won an NCAA Tournament game since topping the Iona Gaels in a First Four game in 2012. It hasn’t won a first-round matchup since topping the Wofford Terriers as the No. 3 seed in 2011 with Kyle Collinsworth and Jimmer Fredette.

The Rams won the regular season title in the Atlantic 10 Conference (15-3), and it won the league tournament with 3 straight victories, although VCU was just 1-2 ATS in those games. After an 11-1-1 ATS run from Jan. 14-Feb. 28, the Rams are just 1-3-1 ATS in the past 5 games. The Under has a 5-4 edge across the previous 9 games.

VCU G Max Shulga had a slight lead in average points per game (15.5) over teammate G Joe Bamisile (15.3 PPG). Both were very good from the field, while Shulga hit a team-best 41.3% from behind the arc while leading the team with 3.8 APG and 1.9 steals per game.

VCU hasn’t won an NCAA Tournament game since 2016 when it topped the Oregon State Beavers as a 10-seed in the first round. It has lost 4 straight games in the Big Dance since then, while also getting bumped due to a no contest after positive COVID-19 tests in 2021 against the Oregon Ducks. VCU did make a run from the First Four to the Final Four in 2011 the last time it was a No. 11 seed.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

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VCU vs. BYU odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 10:05 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): BYU -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | VCU +118 (bet $100 to win $118)
  • Against the spread (ATS): BYU -2.5 (-110) | VCU +2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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VCU vs. BYU picks and predictions

Prediction

VCU 74, BYU 72

Moneyline

VCU (+118) is worth playing straight up for the mild upset in this 6-11 game.

The Rams have a dynamic duo with Bamisile and Shulga, and as long as they are shooting well, VCU not only has the opportunity to win, but win rather handily.

BYU (-145) is a decent offensive team, but it really all hinges on Saunders. If he is struggling with his shot, or he gets into foul trouble, the Cougars are cooked. There isn’t really a tertiary scoring option outside of Saunders and Demin. C Keba Keita did well in the Big 12 Tournament, coming on down the stretch, but he isn’t a pure scorer who can fill up the stat sheet quickly. And, the Cougars really struggle on perimeter defense, so if Shulga, in particular, is heating up, it’s going to be a long night for BYU.

Against the spread

If you’d like a little bit of wiggle room in a game which could potentially be a one-possession contest, or even feature a buzzer beater, taking VCU +2.5 (-110) is worth the play. But, that’s for conservative bettors. If you like the Rams, just take them straight up.

From me, it’s a PASS.

Over/Under

OVER 145.5 (-115) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most. It should be really close, coming down to the final ticks on the clock.

The Over is 6-2 in the past 8 games for BYU, and 10-3-1 across the past 14 outings, so that should make you feel good inside. But, the Over-Under has split 3-3 in the past 6 for VCU, while the Under holds a 5-4 edge in the past 9 outings. The good news is that the Rams have cashed high on the total in 5 of the past 7 games on a neutral floor.

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A-10 Championship Game: George Mason vs. VCU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s George Mason vs. VCU odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The George Mason Patriots (26-7) and the VCU Rams (27-6) meet Sunday in the A-10 Tournament final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (CBS). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the George Mason vs. VCU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The second-seeded Patriots defeated St. Joseph’s 74-64 as 1.5-point underdogs Saturday, with the Over (132) cashing. GMU is 2-0 straight up and against the spread (ATS) in the A-10 Tournament after finishing the season on an 0-6 ATS slide. The Over has hit in both tournament games as well.

The top-seeded Rams eased by Loyola-Chicago 62-55 Saturday but missed the cover as 9.5-point favorites, with the Under (137.5) cashing. VCU has won 11 of its last 12 games and is 8-2-2 ATS in the past 12 games, going 12-3-2 ATS in its previous 17 outings. The Under is 5-3 in the past 8 games.

VCU won the only regular-season meeting, defeating the Patriots 70-54 as an 11-point favorite in Richmond Feb. 22, with the Under (130) hitting. F Jalen Haynes of GMU had 10 points and 8 rebounds, while G Max Shulga led all scorers with 22 points, including four 3-pointers and an 8-for-8 night at the free-throw line.

Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

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George Mason vs. VCU odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:20 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): George Mason +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | VCU -400 (bet $400 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: George Mason +8.5 (-110) | VCU -8.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 127.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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George Mason vs. VCU picks and predictions

Prediction

VCU 66, George Mason 59

Moneyline

VCU (-400) will cost you 4 times your potential return, which is too much risk for not nearly enough reward in this A-10 title game.

While the Rams won by 16 in the only previous meeting this season, that was also in Richmond, not on a neutral floor. This game will be played closer to George Mason’s (+310) campus, although both schools should have decent representation.

The Patriots won as underdogs against St. Joe’s and are on a 4-game win streak. However, it’s hard to overlook that 16-point loss at VCU in late February.

PASS.

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Against the spread

GEORGE MASON +8.5 (-110) is worth considering in this title game, as this is a lot of points.

The Patriots have lost 5 straight meetings against the Rams, with VCU covering the last 3 in the series. However, this is the first time they are meeting in the A-10 title game, and the Patriots should be able to keep it within 4 buckets. They’re playing great basketball since that wake-up call at VCU.

Over/Under

UNDER 127.5 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.

The Under cashed Feb. 22 in the only regular-season meeting, and the total has gone low in each of the last 3 meetings in this series.

For GMU, the total went Over in each of the first 2 tournament games, but the O/U has split 4-4 in the last 8 outings.

The O/U has split in both tournament games for VCU, while the Under is 5-3 in the last 8 outings.

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A-10 Tournament: Duquesne vs. VCU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Duquesne vs. VCU A-10 Tournament odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Duquesne Dukes (23-11) and VCU Rams (22-12) meet in the Sunday title game of the Atlantic-10 Tournament in Brooklyn. The opening tip-off at the Barclays Center will be at 1 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Duquesne vs. VCU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Duquesne advanced to the title game with a 70-60 triumph over 7th-seeded St. Bonaventure Saturday. The 6th-seeded Dukes covered a 2-point spread and have won 3 in a row against the spread (ATS).

Virginia Commonwealth is the No. 5 squad in the A-10 bracket. The Rams defeated No. 9 Saint Joseph’s in the other semifinal, covering a 2-point spread in a 66-60 victory.

The Dukes swept a 2-game regular-season series from the Rams. Duquesne won both games ATS and is 4-0 ATS vs. VCU since 2020.

– Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Duquesne vs. VCU odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:13 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Duquesne +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | VCU -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Duquesne +2.5 (-115) | VCU -2.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 127.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Duquesne vs. VCU picks and predictions

Prediction

VCU 68, Duquesne 67

Moneyline

Too much juice for a close game: PASS.

Against the spread

Duquesne is 6-2 ATS when lined as an underdog. Since Feb. 28, the Dukes are 6-1 ATS.

Expect a close game between 2 teams who usually get after it defensively. Both sides defend the 3 well, but perhaps that cuts a bit more into what VCU wants to do on offense. And the Rams made just 4 triples Saturday.

Give the edge to Duquesne in the turnover exchange, and the Dukes have been dialed in from distance at Barclays (41.5% in this tournament).

The value edge here is slight: consider a partial-unit play on DUQUESNE +2.5 (-115).

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Over/Under

These are 2 slow-tempo programs, but the Over has gone 4-1 across the last 5 series meetings. The Over has gone 11-2 in DU’s last 13 neutral-site games.

Both teams yield a lot of free throws, and perhaps tired legs on defense — after a long week of tourney play for 2 teams not afforded top-4 byes — play into a lot of clock-stopped looks in this one. Both teams also usually get plentiful looks at the rim.

The regular-season meetings this year were totaled at 137 and 137.5. Peg Sunday’s figure as too low.

FanDuel Sportsbook has a better total to leverage. BACK THE OVER 126.5 (-115). 

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VCU at Dayton odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s VCU at Dayton odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The VCU Rams (19-11, 11-6 A-10) and Dayton Flyers (23-6, 13-4) meet Friday in the regular-season finale in Atlantic-10 Conference play. Tip-off at UD Arena will be at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the VCU vs. Dayton odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Virginia Commonwealth is coming off a sloppy Tuesday home loss to Duquesne and has lost 2 in a row. VCU was outscored 28-18 over the final 15 minutes of a 69-59 setback to the Dukes, who were 5-point underdogs.

Dayton scored a season-high 100 points in covering a 9 1/2-point spread at Saint Louis Tuesday. Riding an 18-of-33 performance from beyond the arc, the Flyers defeated the Billikens 100-83 and snapped a 3-game road losing skid that began at VCU Feb. 9.

The Rams defeated the Flyers 49-47 as a 2-point underdog in that game last month. VCU is 3-1 straight up and 3-1 against the spread (ATS) across the last 4 series meetings.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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VCU at Dayton odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:29 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: VCU +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Dayton -375 (bet $375 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): VCU +7.5 (-105) | Dayton -7.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 137.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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VCU at Dayton picks and predictions

Prediction

Dayton 69, VCU 63

Moneyline

No value here; move along. PASS.

Against the spread

The Rams are 11-6 ATS in league play. Dayton has gone 4-8 ATS when looking to earn back-to-back A-10 straight-up wins.

VCU has had the Flyers’ number in recent years. Against the number, the Rams are 3-1 since 2023 and 7-2 since 2021. At UD Arena, Virginia Commonwealth is 4-1 ATS across its last 5 visits.

The Rams are solid defensively, especially defending the outside shot. That figures to loom large in this contest.

Expect a Dayton win in the 5-to-8-point range. So, the leverage here isn’t great, but VCU +7.5 (-105) is on the value side of the ledger.

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Over/Under

The Under is 6-2 across VCU’s 8 road games. And the Under is 5-1 in the last half-dozen games of this series.

The Under 135 easily cashed in the Feb. 9 meeting. And recent VCU games against the A-10’s best teams have resulted in a decided Under lean.

Friday’s Rams-Flyers tilt seems destined for a slow pace and dogged attention to shooters along the perimeter.

TAKE THE UNDER 137.5 (-110).

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March Madness: VCU vs. Saint Mary’s odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s VCU vs. Saint Mary’s odds and lines, with expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 12th-seeded VCU Rams (27-7) take on the 5-seed Saint Mary’s Gaels (26-7) in a first round NCAA Tournament game in Albany, N.Y., on Friday at 2 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the VCU vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Saint Mary’s lost in the WCC title game to Gonzaga while VCU won the Atlantic-10 Tournament. VCU is on a 9-game winning streak and will look to continue it against one of the best defensive teams in the nation.

Saint Mary’s ranks 6th in the country allowing just 59.3 points a game. The Gaels like to slow down the game to a snail’s pace and make it difficult for opponents to gain any continuity on offense. Lucky for VCU, it is also a slow-paced team and the defense of the Rams will be up to the challenge.

The Rams’ defense ranks 26th in the nation allowing just 63 PPG. This will ensure a low-scoring, slow game and whichever defense can get the last stop just might be the winner and moving on to the next round against either Iona or UConn.

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VCU vs. Saint Mary’s odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:07 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): VCU +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Saint Mary’s -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): VCU +4.5 (-118) | Saint Mary’s -4.5 (-102)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 122.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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VCU vs. Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 65, VCU 63

Moneyline

PASS.

While -190 on Saint Mary’s is not totally out of line, the confidence you should have for the Gaels to prevail is. VCU is running hot and could easily hold down the Gaels to win this game. Staying away from the moneyline entirely is the safest bet here.

Against the spread

VCU +4.5 (-115).

Since starting the season 10-5, the Rams have won 9 in a row and 17 of the last 19 games. Saint Mary’s, after starting strong, has faded just a bit down the stretch and come into this game after losing the WCC title game to Gonzaga after also losing to the Zags in the regular-season finale.

While the Gaels have been battle-tested, the Rams and their defense will be able to hold up against an equally good defense for Saint Mary’s and keep this game close to the end so 4.5 points is too much. Give me the underdog to cover.

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Over/Under

OVER 122.5 (-108).

Both teams rank top 30 in total defense. But this number is just a few points too low.

VCU has gone Over the total in 6 of its last 7 games and Saint Mary’s has gone Over the total in 4 of 5 games following an ATS loss.

While neither team will be a lights-out scoring team, both should get into the 60s. And that’s all that is needed for this total to hit.

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A-10 Tournament: Dayton vs. VCU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Dayton at VCU odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 2nd-seeded Dayton Flyers (22-11) and No. 1 VCU Rams (26-7) tangle in the Sunday title game of the Atlantic-10 Conference Tournament in Brooklyn. The battle at the Barclays Center will tip off at 1 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Dayton vs. VCU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Dayton beat No. 10 Saint Joseph’s 60-54 and then No. 3 Fordham 78-68 to advance to Sunday’s title game. UD shooting has fluctuated wildly of late, but the Flyers were on target Saturday against Fordham when they went 23-of-28 (82.1%) on 2-point attempts.

VCU has advanced with wins over No. 8 Davidson 71-53 and No. 4 St. Louis 90-78. The Rams have won 8 in a row and 6 of those games have been decided by double-digit margins.

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Dayton vs. VCU odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:57 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Dayton +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | VCU -145 (bet $145 to win $100).
  • Against the spread (ATS): Dayton +2.5 (-110) | VCU -2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 124.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Dayton vs. VCU picks and predictions

Prediction

Dayton 66, VCU 59

Moneyline

In this series the underdog has won 4 in a row ATS.

Recency bias has this line tilted too far toward the Rams. Peg VCU as being due for some regression in its shooting numbers.

The youthful Flyers continue to take good care of the basketball after struggling in that facet of the game early this season. Figure UD having an important edge on the boards and on getting looks at the rim or thereabouts.

TAKE DAYTON +125.

Against the spread

The ML at plus-money is the way to go, but if you need a little insurance look for Dayton to take the game by around 2 full possessions.

TAKE THE FLYERS +2.5 (-115).

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Over/Under

This game sets up as a mid-to-slow-pace affair with a lot of highly-contested looks. The total here is fair: PASS.

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Dayton at VCU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Dayto at VCU odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Dayton Flyers (15-9, 7-4 A-10) and VCU Rams (18-6, 9-2) clash in an Atlatic-10 Conference battle in Richmond Tuesday. Tip at the Stuart C. Siegel Center is at 7 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Dayton vs. VCU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Dayton has run across a rough stretch that started at home with a 63-62 loss to these Rams on Jan. 13 as 7-point favorites. In going 3-3 in the 6 games since, the Flyers have been saddled with 3 against-the-spread (ATS) losses and 3 ATS margins in double digits.

Virginia Commonwealth is a robust 8-1 since Jan. 7. The Rams have yielded just 61.3 points per game over that span. They will be looking to raise their overall home mark to 13-2 on Tuesday

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Dayton at VCU odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:01 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Dayton +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | VCU -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Dayton +3.5 (-105) | VCU -3.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 129.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Dayton at VCU picks and predictions

Prediction

Dayton 65, VCU 62

Moneyline

DAYTON +150.

Dayton is just 1-5 against teams the the top 2 quadrants (VCU is 3-4). But the Flyers figure as better than their overall record and perhaps a little unlucky so far. A UD team that held foes to a 34.7% mark from the floor from Dec. 10-Jan. 10 is likely due some regression in its recent defensive numbers (46.3% allowed last 5 games).

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Against the spread

The Flyers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against teams playing .600 basketball. In a revenge spot against the Rams, and for a little insurance,  BACK THE FLYERS +3.5 (-105).

Over/Under

UD has exhibited better ball-handling of late and won’t allow as many transition buckets. Both sides can defend, and their 1st meeting hit the Under on a 130 total.

With what has happened since, the hope from a betting standpoint is that the total would be a shade higher here. This 1 is close to value on the Under side. Consider a line watch: take the Under if the number reaches 130.5. Otherwise, PASS.

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VCU at Saint Louis odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s VCU at Saint Louis odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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).

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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)

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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.

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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.

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VCU at Dayton odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s VCU at Dayton odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The VCU Rams (12-5, 3-1 A-10) and Dayton Flyers (12-5, 4-0) lock horns and match wits in a mid-January battle for supremacy in the Atlantic-10 Conference. The opening tip at UD Arena will be at 9 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the VCU vs. Dayton odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Virginia Commonwealth is 7-1 over its last 8 games. VCU is coming off a straight-up and against-the-spread (-3.5) win over Loyola-Chicago Tuesday. The Rams got to the free-throw line a season-high 36 times in downing the Ramblers 78-64. VCU has attempted 30-plus foul shots 7 times this season and ranks 2nd in the nation in free-throw frequency.

The Flyers are 7-0 SU and ATS since Dec. 10. With a bottom-50 pace of play and top-15 defensive efficiency, Dayton has allowed just 53.9 points per game over that stretch. At home, UD is 9-0 this season.

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VCU at Dayton odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:10 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: VCU +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Dayton -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): VCU +7.5 (-110) | Dayton -7.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 129.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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VCU at Dayton picks and predictions

Prediction

Dayton 70, VCU 60

Moneyline

Look for Dayton to hammer out a comfortable win here, but avoid the extra juice in the ML play. PASS.

Against the spread

VCU is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 road games. The Rams are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against teams playing .600 ball. The favorite is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 series meetings.

VCU gives up too many looks in the paint, and Dayton has a big frontcourt that will take advantage. At the other end, UD is elite while being nearly as good at avoiding opponent free throws as the Rams are at drawing them. That may cut into VCU’s offense significantly and help the Flyers get by with a double-digit margin.

BACK THE FLYERS -7.5 (-110).

Over/Under

Peg the Flyers as prevailing in a clash of pace styles. And the score-spiral factors are mostly neutral here. An Under would be a lean if the total here were in the low-130s. With the figure where it is, STEER CLEAR.

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VCU vs. Arizona State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s VCU vs. Arizona State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The VCU Rams (2-0) travel to Brooklyn to play a neutral site game at the Barclays Center against the Arizona State Sun Devils (2-1) Wednesday at 8:30 (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the VCU vs. Arizona State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

VCU comes in after defeating Manhattan (73-56) and Morgan State (69-54) in its 1st 2 games of the season. Defense will need to continue to be a strong suit for the Rams as they look to get through the Atlantic-10 Conference and make the NCAA Tournament again. Arizona State is battling UCLA, Arizona and others in the Pac-12, something which coach Bobby Hurley has not been able to master yet during his tenure.

Coming into this game the Sun Devils are struggling a bit early in the season. A 3-point, season-opening win against Tarleton State (62-59) and an 84-68 win over Northern Arizona was followed up by a 67-66 overtime loss as 11-point favorites at Texas Southern. One of 2 Pac-12 teams (Colorado) to lose against SWAC opponents, the Sun Devils will look to get back on track before entering the meat of their Pac-12 schedule in coming weeks.

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VCU vs. Arizona State odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:34 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): VCU -220 (bet $220 to win $100) | Arizona State +175 (bet $100 to win $175)
  • Against the spread (ATS): VCU -4.5 (-117) | Arizona State -+4.5 (-103)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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VCU vs. Arizona State picks and predictions

Prediction

VCU 65, Arizona State 58

Moneyline

PASS.

VCU should win this game which makes the -220 ML too high to make a wager on unless adding it in a parlay wager.

Against the spread

BET VCU -4.5 (-117).

The defense of VCU will be the key here.

Wanting to keep this game low scoring and slow, VCU will clamp down on the Sun Devils in this game. Although not in a Power 5 conference, the talent of VCU is superior to that of Arizona State and it will show here as Arizona State will get its 2nd loss in a row here. Take VCU -4.5 (-117).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 134.5 (-115).

Defense and bad shooting. These 2 factors will lead to an Under hitting in Brooklyn. VCU will play a game of ball control and defense. Allowing only an average of 55 points per game, VCU will hold Arizona State Under 60. I do not see VCU getting Over 75 and this leads the UNDER 134.5 (-115) being my FAVORITE PLAY.

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