Duquesne Dukes vs Rhode Island Rams Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Rhode Island vs Duquesne NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Pittsburgh.

Rhode Island vs Duquesne Prediction

The Rams and Dukes are set to face off at 2:00 ET on ESPN+. The Dukes will host the game at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh, PA. Rhode Island is favored by -2.5 in this Atlantic 10 conference showdown. The game's over/under is currently at 142 points.

Rhode Island vs. Duquesne Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Rhode Island Rams at Duquesne Dukes
Where: Pittsburgh at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse
Date: Tuesday, December 31st
Betting Odds RI -2.5, RI -156 | DUQ +129 O/U 142

Rams Preview: Can Rhode Island Grab a Win on the Road?

Rhode Island Rams Recent Game/Games

Rhode Island improved to 10-1 on the season with an 85-79 win over Temple on Saturday. The Rams, who were -3.5 favorites, covered the spread in the home victory.

Rhode Island was down 36-35 at halftime but turned things around in the 2nd half, scoring 50 points while allowing 43. The game’s total points of 164 went over the O/U line of 153.5.

Rams Offense Breakdown

Rhode Island's offense was clicking in their last game, putting up 85 points on 51.8% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 58.9%, thanks in part to hitting 61.8% of their two-point attempts. From beyond the arc, they connected on 36.4% of their shots, going 8-for-22.

At the free-throw line, the Rams were nearly automatic, hitting 19-of-22 attempts for an 86.4% mark. Javonte Brown led the way with 21 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 81.8% from the field. Sebastian Thomas added 20 points and 10 assists, hitting 3-of-6 from three-point range.

Rams Team Defense

Rhode Island's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 79 points while allowing the opposition to shoot 51% from the field. Inside the arc, they were particularly vulnerable, as the other team connected on 61% of their two-point attempts, going 21/34.

From three-point range, Rhode Island allowed 8 made threes on 22 attempts, a 36% shooting performance. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 22 times, where they converted 19 of those attempts, shooting 86%. The Rams gave up 7 offensive rebounds.

Dukes Preview: Will the Dukes Make it Happen at Home?

Duquesne Dukes Recent Game/Games

The Dukes improved to 4-8 on the season with a 70-54 home win over UC Irvine on Saturday. Entering the game as +6.5 point underdogs, Duquesne not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.

Duquesne took control early, leading 43-24 at halftime. While they allowed 30 points in the second half, their defense held strong, limiting UC Irvine to just 54 points overall. The game’s total points of 124 fell short of the 132.5 O/U line.

Dukes Offense Breakdown

Duquesne's offense put up 70 points in their last game, shooting 49.1% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 61.8%, thanks in large part to their 56% shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 14 of 25 attempts.

Jahsean Corbett led the way with 15 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 50% from the field and 3/6 from three. Tre Dinkins and Cam Crawford each added 13 points, both hitting 3 of 4 from deep.

Dukes Team Defense

Despite Duquesne's defensive efforts, they couldn't stop their opponent from scoring 54 points, even though they shot 49% from the field. The Dukes gave up 13 two-point baskets on 30 attempts, a 43% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Duquesne allowed their opponent to hit 14 threes on 25 attempts, a 56% success rate. They also sent them to the free-throw line 4 times, where they made 2 shots. The Dukes gave up 7 offensive rebounds in the game.

Rams vs Dukes Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Across the Rams last five road games, the team averaged 69 points per game while allowing 76. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-4, while going 2-3 straight-up.
In their last five games at home, the Dukes have a straight up record of 2-3 while going 2-3 vs. the spread. The team averaged 63 points per game in this stretch.
Through their last three games as the underdog, the Dukes have an ATS record of 2-1 and a straight up mark of 2-1.
In their last five games as the betting favorite, the Rams have a straight up record of 4-1, while going 2-3 against the spread.