VMI Keydets vs Richmond Spiders NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/21/24

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Keydets versus the Spiders? Tip off is at at 6:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Robins Center in Richmond, VA. The over/under for this game is set at 145 points, and Richmond is favored by -12.5 against VMI in a non-conference matchup.

VMI KEYDETS VS RICHMOND SPIDERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Richmond Spiders -12.5

This game will be played at Robins Center at 6:00 ET on Saturday, December 21st.

WHY BET THE RICHMOND SPIDERS:

  • We have this one finishing with a projected score of 81-66 in favor of the Spiders.
  • Not only will Richmond pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -12.5.
  • The over/under is currently sitting at 145 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.

Do the Keydets Stand a Chance in Richmond?

VMI dropped to 2-6 on the season after a narrow 81-78 home loss to Queens (NC) on Saturday. The Keydets were +2 point underdogs going into the game and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 159, surpassing the over/under line of 153.5.

VMI found themselves trailing 46-33 at halftime but made a strong push in the second half, outscoring Queens 45-35. Despite the comeback effort, they couldn’t close the gap enough to secure the win.

VMI’s offense put up 78 points in their last game, shooting 44.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 53.6%. They hit 11 threes at a 36.7% clip and were strong from the line, going 17-for-20 (85%). The Keydets had just 6 offensive rebounds and 9 assists as a team.

Rickey Bradley Jr. struggled, shooting 3-for-15 overall and 1-for-6 from deep, but still finished with 19 points. TJ Johnson contributed 17 points, hitting 4 threes at 50%, while Leo Colimerio and Jaxon Pollard both shot 6-for-8 from the field, with Colimerio adding 5 assists and Pollard grabbing 8 rebounds.

VMI’s defense gave up 81 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 44% from the field. They allowed 53% shooting on two-point attempts, as the other team went 14/26 inside the arc.

From three-point range, VMI’s opponents hit 11/30, good for 36%. VMI also sent them to the free-throw line 20 times, where they converted 17 attempts (85%). The Keydets allowed 6 offensive rebounds.

Do the Spiders Have a Shot at a Home Win?

Richmond’s season continues to be a struggle, as they dropped to 2-7 after a 93-87 loss to William & Mary on Wednesday. The Spiders, who were +2.5 point underdogs, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points went over the line of 154.5, with a combined 180 points scored.

Richmond led 41-38 at halftime but allowed 55 points in the 2nd half while scoring 46. Defensive lapses after the break contributed to their latest setback.

Richmond’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 87 points while shooting 53.7% from the field. They connected on 42.9% of their threes, hitting 9 of 21 attempts, and were even better from the free-throw line, making 20 of 24 for an 83.3% clip. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 63%, with their two-point shooting at 60.6% (20/33).

Dusan Neskovic led the way with 20 points, while Jonathan Beagle and DeLonnie Hunt each added 17. Apostolos Roumoglou was perfect from the field, hitting all 5 of his shots, including 5 threes. Matteus Case also had a strong game, shooting 5 of 7 and dishing out 6 assists.

Richmond’s defense struggled, giving up 93 points on 51% shooting from the field. The Spiders allowed 31 made field goals on 60 attempts.

Inside the arc, Richmond’s defense allowed 62% shooting, with 18 two-pointers made. From three-point range, they gave up 13 threes on 41% shooting. The Spiders also sent the opposing team to the free-throw line 24 times, where they made 18 free throws, shooting 75%. Richmond allowed 12 offensive rebounds.