VCU Rams vs Saint Louis Billikens NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/28/25
The Rams and Billikens are set to face off at 8:00 ET on CBSS. The Billikens will host the game at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, MO. In this Atlantic 10 matchup, VCU is favored bt -5.5 vs. Saint Louis. The over/under for the game is 142.5 points.
VCU RAMS VS SAINT LOUIS BILLIKENS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Saint Louis Billikens +5.5
This game will be played at Chaifetz Arena at 8:00 ET on Tuesday, January 28th.
WHY BET THE SAINT LOUIS BILLIKENS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-69 in favor of the Billikens.
- Not only will Saint Louis pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +5.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 142.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 145 points.
Can VCU Pull Out the Win as Road Favorites?
VCU Rams Recent Game/Games
VCU improved to 15-4 on the season with a 75-61 home win over St. Bonaventure on Friday, January 24th. The Rams, who were favored by 12.5 points, covered the spread, and the game’s total points of 136 narrowly exceeded the over/under line of 134.5.
After trailing 33-25 at halftime, VCU turned things around in the 2nd half, scoring 50 points and holding the Bonnies to 28.
VCU’s offense put up 75 points in their last game, shooting 44.8% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 55.2%, thanks to hitting 45.8% from three-point range (11/24). They also connected on 75% of their free throws, going 12/16 from the line.
Chance Moore led the Rams with 21 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 50% overall, though he struggled from deep, hitting just 1 of 5 attempts. Joe Bamisile added 18 points and 6 assists, shooting 58.3% from the field and 50% from three. VCU finished with 20 assists as a team, with Max Shulga contributing 5 dimes.
Despite VCU’s defense, their opponent managed to score 61 points, shooting 44% from the field. They went 15/34 from two-point range, also at 44%.
From beyond the arc, VCU’s opponent hit 11 of 24 threes, shooting 45%. They also made 12 of 16 free throws, good for 75%. VCU gave up 6 offensive rebounds.
Does Saint Louis Have What it Takes at Home?
Saint Louis Billikens Recent Game/Games
The Billikens fell to 10-8 on the season after a 67-61 road loss to George Washington on Saturday. Saint Louis entered the game as -1.5 favorites but failed to cover the spread. The total points of 128 fell short of the O/U line of 147.5.
Saint Louis struggled early, trailing 36-22 at halftime, but showed resilience by outscoring George Washington 39-31 in the second half. Despite the strong finish, they couldn’t complete the comeback.
The Billikens struggled from beyond the arc in their last game, hitting just 6 of 28 threes for a 21.4% shooting percentage. Overall, they shot 43.9% from the field, with an effective field goal percentage of 49.1%. Inside the arc, they were much more efficient, connecting on 65.5% of their two-point attempts.
Rafael Castro led the way with 21 points on 9 of 11 shooting, while Christian Jones added 16 points, hitting 2 of 5 from three. Gibson Jimerson and Isaiah Swope both attempted 9 threes, with Jimerson making 2 and Swope hitting 3. The Billikens finished with 15 assists and 7 offensive rebounds in the game.
Even with Saint Louis giving up 67 points, their defense had a tough time inside, allowing opponents to shoot 61% on two-pointers. Overall, the Billikens allowed a 47% shooting performance, with the other team hitting 25 of their 53 field goal attempts.
From beyond the arc, Saint Louis held their opponents to just 4 made threes on 19 attempts, a 21% shooting rate. The Billikens also sent the other team to the line 21 times, where they converted 13 free throws, shooting 61%.