Saint Joseph’s Hawks vs VCU Rams Matchup

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

VCU vs Saint Joseph's Prediction

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Rams versus the Hawks? Tip off is at at 7:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPNU. The game will be played at Hagan Arena in Philadelphia, PA. In this Atlantic 10 matchup, VCU is favored bt -2.5 vs. Saint Joseph's. The over/under for the game is 141.5 points.

VCU vs. Saint Joseph's Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: VCU Rams at Saint Joseph's Hawks
Where: Philadelphia at Hagan Arena
Date: Friday, January 17th
Betting Odds VCU -2.5, VCU -142 | STJOE +118 O/U 141.5

Rams Preview: Does VCU Have What it Takes to Win as Road Favorites?

VCU Rams Recent Game/Games

VCU improved to 12-4 on the season with a 78-62 home win over Saint Louis on Tuesday. The Rams entered the game as 10-point favorites and covered the spread with the victory.

After leading 47-42 at halftime, VCU's defense stepped up in the 2nd half, allowing just 20 points while scoring 31. The game’s total points of 140 fell short of the 147.5 O/U line.

Rams Offense Breakdown

VCU's offense put up 78 points in their last game, shooting 41.7% from the field and 30.3% from beyond the arc, hitting 10 of 33 three-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 48.6%, and they were strong on the offensive glass, grabbing 22 rebounds.

Joe Bamisile led the Rams with 23 points, connecting on 4 of 9 threes, while Isaiah Swope and Robbie Avila each added 18 points. Avila was perfect from deep, hitting both of his attempts, and Max Shulga contributed 9 assists to go along with 11 points.

Rams Team Defense

Despite VCU's defensive efforts, they allowed 62 points on 41% shooting from the field, as the opposing team went 30/72. VCU gave up 20 two-point field goals on 39 attempts, a 51% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, VCU's defense held the opposing team to 30% shooting, with 10 made threes on 33 attempts. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 10 times, where they converted 8 of their attempts for 80%. VCU allowed 22 offensive rebounds in the game.

Hawks Preview: Can Saint Joseph's Grab a Win at Home?

Saint Joseph's Hawks Recent Game/Games

Saint Joseph's improved to 11-6 on the season with a dominant 93-57 win over Loyola Chicago on Saturday. The Hawks, who were -5.5 favorites, not only covered the spread but also saw the total points go over the 142.5 line, with the game ending at 150 points.

Saint Joseph's took control early, leading 53-29 at halftime, and continued their strong play in the 2nd half, outscoring Loyola Chicago 40-28.

Hawks Offense Breakdown

Saint Joseph's offense was firing on all cylinders, scoring 93 points while shooting 54.8% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 69.4%, thanks to hitting 18 of 33 from beyond the arc at 54.5%.

Derek Simpson was a standout, shooting 77.8% overall and 80.0% from three, finishing with 19 points and 6 rebounds. Xzayvier Brown led the team with 20 points and added 4 assists.

Hawks Team Defense

Saint Joseph's Hawks gave up 57 points while allowing their opponents to shoot 54% from the field, including 55% on two-point attempts (16/29). They also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 11 times, where they made 7 free throws, shooting 63%.

From beyond the arc, the Hawks allowed their opponents to hit 18 threes on 33 attempts, a 54% shooting performance. Saint Joseph's also gave up 7 offensive rebounds in the game.

Rams vs Hawks Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Across their five previous road games, VCU has an ATS mark of 1-4. Their straight up record in these matchups was 1-4 while averaging 71 points per game.
When looking at their past three home matchups, Saint Joseph's has an ATS record of 1-2 while averaging 73 per game. The team went 1-2 overall in these games.
The last ten games that Saint Joseph's was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 6-4 while going 4-6 straight up.
VCU has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 3-0 SU and 3-0 ATS in their last three games.