Richmond Spiders vs VCU Rams Matchup

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

Richmond vs VCU Prediction

The Spiders and Rams are set to face off at 4:00 ET on CBSS. The Rams will host the game at Stuart C. Siegel Center in Richmond, VA. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 133.5 points, and VCU is favored by -18.5 to win at home against Richmond.

Richmond vs. VCU Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Richmond Spiders at VCU Rams
Where: Richmond at Stuart C. Siegel Center
Date: Saturday, February 1st
Betting Odds VCU -18.5, RICH +1400 | VCU -4000 O/U 133.5

Spiders Preview: Does Richmond Have a Shot at a Road Win?

Richmond Spiders Recent Game/Games

Richmond’s season record fell to 5-14 after a 75-66 loss to George Washington on Wednesday. The Spiders were +8 underdogs going into the game and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 141, surpassing the O/U line of 135.5.

Richmond trailed 33-32 at halftime and struggled defensively in the 2nd half, allowing 42 points while scoring 34.

Spiders Offense Breakdown

Richmond's offense put up 66 points in their last game, shooting 44.4% from the field and hitting 40.6% of their threes, going 13-for-32 from deep. Their effective field goal percentage was 55.6%, and they managed just 4 offensive rebounds, with 15 assists as a team.

Rafael Castro led the way with 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting, adding 16 rebounds and 3 assists. Gerald Drumgoole Jr. contributed 19 points, hitting 5 threes on 11 attempts, while Trey Autry added 18 points, connecting on 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.

Spiders Team Defense

Despite Richmond's defensive efforts, they allowed 75 points on 46% shooting from the field. The Spiders gave up 12 offensive rebounds, providing extra opportunities for their opponent.

Richmond's defense saw their opponent hit 11 threes on 27 attempts, a 40% success rate. They also sent them to the free-throw line 26 times, where they converted 18 free throws.

Rams Preview: Will the Rams Secure A Victory as Home Favorites?

VCU Rams Recent Game/Games

The Rams fell to 15-5 on the season after a 78-69 road loss to Saint Louis on Tuesday. VCU, who entered the game as -5.5 favorites, didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 147, just over the pre-game O/U line of 144.5.

VCU led 31-28 at halftime but allowed 50 points in the 2nd half while scoring 38 of their own. This defensive lapse was a key factor in the loss.

Rams Offense Breakdown

VCU struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 32.8% from the field and 16.1% from three-point range, hitting only 5 of 31 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 35.8%, but they managed to connect on 76.9% of their free throws, going 20 for 26.

Gibson Jimerson led the Rams with 26 points, shooting 50% from the field and 42.9% from deep. Kobe Johnson added 19 points, hitting 60% of his shots and 40% from three-point range. VCU also grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and finished with just 9 assists as a team.

Rams Team Defense

Even with VCU’s defense allowing 78 points, the Rams couldn’t capitalize on the offensive end. They sent their opponents to the free-throw line 39 times, where they converted 30 free throws at a 76% clip.

VCU’s defense gave up 21 field goals on 48% shooting, including 15 two-pointers at a 60% rate. From beyond the arc, their opponents hit 6 threes on 18 attempts, shooting 33%.

Spiders vs Rams Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

In their last five games away from home, the Spiders have a straight up record of 1-4 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 66 points per game in these contests.
When looking at their past five home matchups, VCU has an ATS record of 3-2 while averaging 77 per game. The team went 3-2 overall in these games.
Looking back on the team's last three games as the underdog, the Spiders have a straight up record of 0-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 1-2.
VCU has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 2-1 SU and 2-1 ATS in their last three games.