VCU Rams vs Saint Joseph’s Hawks NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/17/25
Planning on watching today’s Rams and Hawks game? Catch the action at Hagan Arena in Philadelphia, PA, as the Hawks hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on ESPNU. VCU is favored by -2.5 in this Atlantic 10 conference contest against Saint Joseph’s. The game’s over/under currently sits at 141.5 points.
VCU RAMS VS SAINT JOSEPH’S HAWKS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Saint Joseph’s Hawks +2.5
This game will be played at Hagan Arena at 7:00 ET on Friday, January 17th.
WHY BET THE SAINT JOSEPH’S HAWKS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-69 in favor of the Hawks.
- Not only will Saint Joseph’s pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +2.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 141.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 145 points.
Is A Road Victory Likely for Favored VCU?
VCU Rams Recent Game/Games
VCU improved to 12-4 on the season with a 78-62 home win over Saint Louis on Tuesday. The Rams were favored by 10 points and covered the spread.
After leading 47-42 at halftime, VCU’s defense stepped up, allowing just 20 points in the 2nd half while scoring 31. The total points of 140 fell short of the 147.5 O/U line.
VCU put up 78 points in their last game, shooting 41.7% from the field and 30.3% from three-point range, hitting 10 of 33 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 48.6%, and they were efficient at the free-throw line, making 8 of 10 shots.
The Rams dominated the offensive glass with 22 rebounds and dished out 18 assists. Joe Bamisile led the way with 23 points, hitting 4 of 9 threes, while Isaiah Swope and Robbie Avila each added 18 points. Avila was perfect from deep, going 2 for 2.
Despite giving up 22 offensive rebounds, VCU’s defense held their opponent to 62 points on 41% shooting from the field. They allowed 30 made field goals on 72 attempts.
From beyond the arc, VCU’s defense limited their opponent to 10 threes on 33 attempts, a 30% shooting performance. Their opponent also went 8/10 from the free-throw line.
Will the Hawks Make it Happen at Home?
Saint Joseph’s Hawks Recent Game/Games
Saint Joseph’s improved to 11-6 on the season with a dominant 93-57 win over Loyola Chicago on Saturday. Playing at home, the Hawks entered the game as -5.5 favorites and easily covered the spread. The total points for the game reached 150, surpassing the pre-game O/U line of 142.5.
The Hawks took control early, leading 53-29 at halftime. They continued their strong play in the second half, outscoring Loyola Chicago 40-28 to seal the win.
Saint Joseph’s put up 93 points in their last game, shooting 54.8% from the field and hitting 18 threes at a 54.5% clip. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 69.4%.
Derek Simpson was a standout, shooting 77.8% overall and 80% from deep, finishing with 19 points and 6 rebounds. Xzayvier Brown led the team with 20 points and 4 assists.
Saint Joseph’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 57 points while allowing the opposition to shoot 54% from the field. The Hawks couldn’t contain the two-point shooting, as their opponents went 16/29, hitting 55% of their shots inside the arc.
From beyond the three-point line, Saint Joseph’s allowed 18/33 shooting, a 54% success rate. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 11 times, where they made 7 of their attempts, shooting 63%. The Hawks gave up 7 offensive rebounds.