Rhode Island Rams vs Duquesne Dukes NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/31/24

The Rams and Dukes are set to face off at 2:00 ET on ESPN+. The Dukes will host the game at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh, PA. In this Atlantic 10 matchup, Rhode Island is favored bt -2.5 vs. Duquesne. The over/under for the game is 142 points.

RHODE ISLAND RAMS VS DUQUESNE DUKES BETTING PICK

The Pick: Duquesne Dukes +2.5

This game will be played at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse at 2:00 ET on Tuesday, December 31st.

WHY BET THE DUQUESNE DUKES:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-69 in favor of the Dukes.
• Not only will Duquesne pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +2.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 142 points, and we like the over with a projected 145 points.

Is A Road Victory Likely for Favored Rhode Island?

Rhode Island Rams Recent Game/Games

The Rams improved to 10-1 on the season with an 85-79 win over Temple on Saturday. Playing at home, Rhode Island entered the game as -3.5 favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game reached 164, surpassing the over/under line of 153.5.

After trailing 36-35 at halftime, the Rams turned things around in the second half, outscoring Temple 50-43.

Rhode Island’s offense was clicking in their last game, putting up 85 points on 51.8% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 58.9%, thanks in part to hitting 61.8% of their two-point attempts. From beyond the arc, they connected on 36.4% of their shots, going 8-for-22.

Javonte Brown was a force inside, shooting 81.8% (9-for-11) and grabbing 10 rebounds. Sebastian Thomas contributed 20 points and 10 assists, hitting 3-of-6 from deep. Steve Settle III also made 6 threes, shooting 60.0% from long range, while Shane Dezonie was 2-for-3 from three-point land and finished with 17 points on 77.8% shooting overall.

Rhode Island struggled defensively, giving up 79 points on 51% shooting from the field. The Rams allowed 21 two-point baskets on 34 attempts, with their opponents shooting 61% inside the arc.

From three-point range, Rhode Island’s defense conceded 8 threes on 22 attempts, a 36% shooting rate. They also sent their opponents to the line 22 times, where they hit 19 free throws, an 86% success rate.

Do the Dukes Stand a Chance at Home?

Duquesne Dukes Recent Game/Games

Duquesne improved to 4-8 on the season with a 70-54 home win over UC Irvine on Saturday, December 21st. The Dukes entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs but came away with the win, covering the spread in the process.

Duquesne jumped out to a 43-24 lead in the first half, but the Anteaters outscored them 30-27 in the second half. The total points for the game were 124, which came in under the O/U line of 132.5.

Duquesne’s offense put up 70 points in their latest game, shooting 49.1% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 61.8%, thanks to hitting 14 of 25 threes at a 56% clip.

Jahsean Corbett led the way with 15 points and 8 rebounds, knocking down 3 of 6 from deep. Tre Dinkins and Cam Crawford each added 13 points, both hitting 3 of 4 threes.

Even though Duquesne allowed 54 points, they struggled to contain their opponent’s shooting, giving up 49% from the field. The Dukes allowed 27 made field goals on 55 attempts.

Duquesne’s defense had particular trouble with the three-point shot, where their opponent hit 14 of 25 attempts, shooting 56% from beyond the arc.