Davidson vs VCU Odds
| Davidson Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -105 | 136.5 -114o / -106u | +210 |
| VCU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -115 | 136.5 -114o / -106u | -260 |
The VCU Rams are back at home on Saturday after losing at Duquesne.
VCU has had an impressive start to its season, finishing non-conference play with a record of 9-4. However, after losing its first road game and barely covering against La Salle, some of the concerns about the Rams are starting to look legitimate.
Davidson, meanwhile, has lost three of its last five, but it's 2-1 in conference play, posting wins over Fordham and Loyola Chicago.
The Wildcats have already earned some impressive wins away from home, beating Wright State in double OT earlier this year and taking down both South Carolina and San Francisco on a neutral court.
Can Davidson get another impressive win on the road against VCU?
Davidson Wildcats
Davidson heads to VCU coming off one of its best performances of the season.
Against Loyola Chicago, the Cats were firing on all cylinders, hitting 56% from the floor en route to their 80-57 win over the Ramblers. They held Loyola to 43.1% shooting from the floor and 27.8% from 3.
Davidson also forced Loyola Chicago into 21 turnovers, something the Wildcats have really improved on as of late.
The Wildcats' offense is spearheaded by Foster Loyer, who was selected to the A-10 Preseason All-Conference team.
Loyer leads Davidson in scoring and ranks among the top 10 in the league in made 3-pointers, free-throw percentage, steals and assists.
Sam Mennenga is the only other player on the team averaging in double digits. However, Desmond Watson has taken a step forward recently, averaging 10.6 points per game over the last nine.
On the defensive side of the ball, Davidson has been one of the best teams in the nation when it comes to defending the perimeter. The Wildcats rank in the 93rd percentile, having held opposing teams to just 28.8%.
Over the last five, the defense has excelled everywhere on the court, holding teams to 55.2% at the rim, 32.6% in the paint and 33.3% from mid-range.
This defense could be a game-deciding factor against a VCU team that struggles enough on its own offensively.
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Image Via CBB Analytics
VCU Rams
The Rams went 9-4 in non-conference play, posting some quality wins over Pittsburgh and Vanderbilt.
VCU, a defensive-focused team, ranks 50th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency (per KenPom). The Rams have held teams to just 64.5 points per game and have been especially great when it comes to forcing turnovers, pressuring opponents into 17.5 per game.
But there are concerns with the Rams.
First and foremost, they've got a big turnover problem of their own, giving the ball up on 22.2% of possessions (334th nationally).
The Rams' offense is lacking, as well. VCU has improved recently, but only on shots in the paint and from above the break — two areas the Davidson defense has been top notch when it comes to defending.
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Image Via CBB Analytics
Davidson vs. VCU Betting Pick
The Rams hold just a one-game lead in the all-time series with the Wildcats (9-8), but have handled Davidson much better at home (5-3).
And while VCU's defense has been among the best in the A-10, I don't think that will be enough to stop Loyer and this rolling Davidson offense.
VCU was impressive in the non-conference, but it played a schedule ranked 276th in difficulty.
The Rams also lack the experience of this Wildcats team.
Back the Wildcats to keep this one close — at the very least, I personally think they can do enough to win this one outright. Take any points you can get with Davidson, as well as a small wager on the moneyline.
