Bellarmine Knights vs VCU Rams NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 11/4/24
Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Knights and Rams. The game is starting at 7:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Rams at Stuart C. Siegel Center in Richmond, VA. Get ready to place your bets! This non-conference matchup has an over/under of 136.5 points, and VCU is favored by -21.5 vs. Bellarmine.
BELLARMINE KNIGHTS VS VCU RAMS BETTING PICK
The Pick: VCU Rams -21.5
This game will be played at Stuart C. Siegel Center at 7:00 ET on Monday, November 4th.
WHY BET THE VCU RAMS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 90-59 in favor of the Rams.
- Not only will VCU pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -21.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 136.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 149 points.
Will the Knights Pull Through as the Away Underdog?
Bellarmine Knights Records
Bellarmine finished last season with a 5-23 overall record, going 4-12 in Atlantic Sun play. At home, they posted a 3-7 mark, with an average scoring margin of -5.3 points per game. On the road, they went 2-16, losing by an average of 11.6 points per game.
Against the spread, Bellarmine had an 8-19 record, including a 6-11 mark in road games. They struggled as the favorite, going 2-4 straight-up and 1-5 ATS. As the underdog, they were 3-19 straight-up and 7-14 ATS. Their average over/under line was 141.7 points, and they had a 15-13 O/U record, with their games averaging 144.3 points per contest.
Bellarmine averaged 69.5 points per game last season, ranking 126th in possessions per game with 62.7. They struggled with shooting efficiency, finishing 285th in field goal percentage at 43% and 287th in effective field goal percentage at 49%. Their two-point shooting was particularly challenging, ranking 300th at 49%.
From beyond the arc, the Knights made 7.7 threes per game, shooting 34% to rank 187th. Ben Johnson, who averaged 13.9 points per game last season, returns as their top scorer. Billy Smith, who played in 31 games and averaged 5.8 points, also returns.
Bellarmine struggled defensively last season, allowing 74.8 points per game, which ranked 249th in the nation. Opponents shot 31.5% from beyond the arc against them, placing Bellarmine 165th in three-point defense. They were more disciplined in terms of fouling, allowing 16.9 free throws per game, which ranked 101st.
In terms of creating turnovers, Bellarmine averaged 5.3 steals per game, ranking 321st nationally. They also had just 1.9 blocked shots per game, ranking 362nd in the country.
Does VCU Have What it Takes at Home?
VCU Rams Records
Last season, VCU went 22-13 overall and 14-8 in Atlantic 10 play. At home, they posted a 16-8 record with a +6.4 average scoring margin, while on the road, they were 6-5 with a +1.4 margin.
Against the spread, the Rams were 20-15, including an 8-3 mark on the road. They went 19-6 straight-up when favored and 3-7 as the underdog. Their average over/under line was 139.7 points, and they had a 15-20 O/U record, with their games averaging 138.2 points.
VCU Rams Offense Stats
Last season, VCU averaged 71.5 points per game, ranking 290th in possessions per game with 62.7. They shot 44% from the field, placing 245th, but had an effective field goal percentage of 52%, good for 165th. The Rams made 8.5 three-pointers per game, ranking 79th, and shot 35% from beyond the arc, ranking 99th. They also made 15.1 free throws per game, ranking 97th.
VCU Rams Top Returning Offensive Players
Max Shulga, who averaged 14.6 points, 3.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds last season, returns for the Rams. Zeb Jackson also returns after averaging 11.6 points, 3.4 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in 33 games.
Last season, VCU allowed 66.7 points per game, ranking 47th in the nation. Opponents shot 30.6% from three-point range against them, placing VCU 118th in that category. They also allowed 19.5 free throws per game, ranking 222nd.
VCU averaged 6.5 steals per game, ranking 181st nationally. They were 56th in blocked shots, averaging 4.4 per game.