Citadel Bulldogs vs VMI Keydets NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/18/25
The Bulldogs and Keydets are set to face off at 1:00 ET on ESPN+. The Keydets will host the game at McAlister Field House in Charleston, SC. Citadel is favored by -1 in this Southern conference showdown. The game’s over/under is currently at 136.5 points.
CITADEL BULLDOGS VS VMI KEYDETS BETTING PICK
The Pick: VMI Keydets +1
This game will be played at McAlister Field House at 1:00 ET on Saturday, January 18th.
WHY BET THE VMI KEYDETS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-70 in favor of the Keydets.
- Not only will VMI pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +1.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 136.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Is It the Bulldogs Game to Lose on the Road?
Citadel Bulldogs Recent Game/Games
The Bulldogs dropped to 1-11 on the season after a 70-57 loss to UNCG on Wednesday. Citadel, who were +16.5 point underdogs, managed to cover the spread in the loss.
Citadel trailed 34-29 at halftime and were outscored 36-28 in the 2nd half. The game’s total points of 127 fell short of the O/U line of 131.5.
In their recent game, the Citadel Bulldogs managed just 57 points, shooting 41.2% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 47.1%, and they struggled at the free-throw line, hitting only 53.3% of their attempts.
Brody Fox led the way with 21 points, while Donovan Atwell added 19, connecting on 5 of 9 threes. Joryam Saizonou contributed 16 points and dished out 10 assists, and Demetrius Davis grabbed 9 rebounds to go with his 14 points.
Despite the Citadel Bulldogs’ defensive efforts, they couldn’t hold their opponent under 70 points. The Bulldogs allowed 43% shooting from the field, with their opponent hitting 21 of 48 shots.
From beyond the arc, the Bulldogs gave up 12 threes on 26 attempts, a 46% shooting performance. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 19 times, where they converted 16 for 84%.
Are VMI Ready for a Home Win?
VMI improved to 3-11 on the season with a 66-50 win over Western Carolina on Wednesday. Playing at home, the Keydets were favored by 1.5 points and covered the spread. The game’s total points of 116 fell well short of the 147.5 O/U line.
VMI led 29-28 at halftime but took control in the 2nd half, outscoring the Catamounts 37-22 to seal the win.
VMI’s offense struggled from the field in their last game, shooting just 35.3% overall and 33.3% from three-point range, hitting 10 of 30 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 45.1%, and they connected on only 38.1% of their two-point shots.
Despite their shooting woes, the Keydets excelled at the free-throw line, making 20 of 21 attempts for a 95.2% success rate. Four players shared the team-high with 14 points, including Augustinas Kiudulas, Tan Yildizoglu, Rickey Bradley Jr., and Bernard Pelote.
VMI’s defense was impressive, holding their opponent to just 50 points on 35% shooting from the field. They limited two-point opportunities, with the other team making only 8 of 21 attempts for 38%.
From beyond the arc, VMI allowed 10 threes on 30 attempts, a 33% success rate. They sent the opponent to the free-throw line 21 times, where they converted 20 for 95%. VMI also gave up 7 offensive rebounds.