Bulldogs vs Rams CBB Basketball Spread/Handicapping
A battle between the two newbies of the Atlantic -10 (amidst rumours of Butler jumping ship to the soon to be newly formed Big East). Butler has the higher ranking but find themselves a game behind the Rams in the conference standings.
#20 Butler Bulldogs (22-6) vs Virginia Commonwealth Rams (22-6)
Saturday March 2
Stuart Siegel Center – Richmond, VA
12:00PM
Moneyline: No ML currently listed at TOPBet
Spread: VCU -7
O/U: 136
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Butler
This should be an intense battle between contrasting styles. Butler loves to be physical while the Rams loves to use their quickness to set a frenetic pace. It should be fun to watch.
The Bulldogs have been pretty great in their first go through the Atlantic 10, except when they have to face St. Louis. Other than that they have been very good both home and away. Against VCU their lack of size won’t be a real issue, what might be is their ball handling. The Rams love to put pressure on teams and these guys don’t have one of those steady point guard situations. I expect a lot of steals and deflections which could be very disruptive for the Bulldogs.
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If history has shown us anything its that Butler is a great underdog play. It always seems that they are going to be outsized, out-athleted or outclassed, yet they are one of the most successful programs in the county. Still I don’t like them in this situation or I like the Rams too much, not quite sure.
VCU
The Rams were flying high for a while but have come down to earth lately. They are still among the elite of the Atlantic 10 as they are currently in second place – a spot they need a win Saturday to defend. Both of these teams are going to qualify for the Big Dance but this one will be key in terms of settling seeding questions for teams out of this conference. [ad-6571516]
This should be one of the better games we will see on Saturday and it is exciting to see these teams square off as new conference mates.
Like the Bulldogs the Rams are really strong on the perimeter. Sophomore guard Treveon Graham has more than doubled his scoring average to 15 points per game, leading three other backcourt players that also score in double digits. Forward Juvonte Reddic is one of the most productive frontcourt players in the country. He averages better than 14 points and 8 boards per game despite playing less than 30 minutes per game. He is super athletic and a real difference maker in their defensive sets.
VCU has not been a good bet this year, just 8-13 ATS. Looking closer they have awful on the road 1-7 while OK at home – 6-4. They have dropped their last two against the number but I think they are going to be totally geeked up for Butler. I expect their buzzing defense to bother the Bulldogs enough to get a relatively easy victory. These guys really score.
Spread Pick: VCU -7
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: VCU 77 – Butler 67
