Free NCAA Hoops Pick: Spiders vs. Rams CBB Odds
Looking for Richmond Spiders vs. VCU Rams NCAA basketball free picks & CBB odds? CBB betting sees the Spiders taking on the Rams on Wednesday February 17, 2021 at Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all college basketball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily basketball predictions like this Spiders Rams matchup.
2021 NCAA Basketball Handicapping
(15-4) Richmond Spiders vs. VCU Rams (11-4)
Date: Wednesday February 17, 2021
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia
CBB Moneyline Odds: OFF
CBB Betting Odds: VCU -3.5
CBB Betting Total: O/U 142.0
Two of the top teams in the Atlantic 10 conference go head-to-head Wednesday when the VCU Rams and Richmond Spiders meet for a rivalry matchup. Both of these teams are fighting for an NCAA Tournament spot and need another marquee victory to add to their respective resumes.
Following a COVID-19 layoff of almost two weeks, Richmond returned Sunday and won in a blowout over a non-Division I opponent. VCU has won five straight after defeating St. Bonaventure last Friday.
Richmond Spiders
Richmond, who was in the top 25 at one point this season, has four of its last five games. Richmond currently holds a 55.4 percent chance to make the tournament according to Bart Torvik, which makes every game crucial from here on out.
Richmond is a good offensive team with a very balanced starting lineup. All five of Richmond’s starters average double figure points a game, four of whom are seniors. The Spiders post the eighth fewest turnovers in all of college basketball, shoot 55.9 percent from two, and shoot 34.9 percent from deep.
The Spiders are similar to the Rams in that they have a boatload of experience on their roster. The Spiders have the 21st most efficient offense in college basketball with senior guard Blake Francis leading the way with 16.6 points per game. Grant Golden and Tyler Burton each post over 13 points per game as well.
Richmond’s defense has been spotty this season as the Spiders rank outside the top-100 in defensive rating. The Spiders have struggled this season at times on the glass and will have to tighten up their rebounding especially. Richmond is 311th in the country in opponents 2-point percentage and 197th in opponents offensive rebounding percentage.
VCU Rams
VCU is on top of the Atlantic 10 conference. The Rams are playing their best basketball of the season and are 8-2 in conference play.
Leading the way for VCU is Nah’ Shon “Bones” Hyland. A 6’3 sophomore and legit NBA prospect, Hyland is averaging 19.3 PPG and has proven to be a great 3-point shooter. Hyland is knocking down just under 40 percent of his long range attempts on almost nine attempts a game. Vince Williams Jr., is the only other VCU player averaging double-figures with 10.9 PPG.
Hyland is coming off a 22 point performance for VCU in their close victory against St. Bonaventure last time out.
On the season, VCU is averaging 73.4 PPG and 114th in adjusted offensive efficiency. Their defense on the other hand, has been elite. The Rams are the 11th best team in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency and are holding opponents to 65.0 PPG.
VCU forces the fifth most turnovers in the country, blocks the ninth most shots and allows opponents to shoot 30.6 percent from deep. VCU also leads the country in steals.
VCU does foul a lot, however, which is a bad trait to have against a Richmond team that reaches the line often and makes most of its free throws. VCU has also struggled with rebounding at times this year and will have to keep the Spiders off the offensive glass.
CBB Betting Trends:
- Rams are 10-27 ATS in their last 37 Wednesday games.
- Rams are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
- Rams are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
- Under is 4-0 in Spiders last 4 games after allowing less than 50 points in their previous game.
- Under is 5-1 in Rams last 6 overall.
- Under is 5-1 in Spiders last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Free Richmond Spiders vs. VCU Rams NCAAB Prediction:
VCU comes out on top in this matchup between an offensive vs defensive minded team. The Rams should be able to exploit a Richmond team that does not defend the paint well. The Rams should be able to force Richmond into more turnovers than usual.
4* Free CBB Betting Pick: VCU -3.5
If you’re looking for more College basketball picks like this Richmond Spiders vs. VCU Rams matchup we’ll be providing 4* free college basketball predictions on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free NCAAB Hoops picks!
Register here for a FREE CBB Betting Account Now for Daily Free Picks & More Special Offers!
