The fourth-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (8-0) try to remain undefeated when they meet the VCU Rams (7-2) at John Paul Jones Arena. Action begins at 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 9, 2018, and can be seen on ESPN 3.
VCU Rams vs. Virginia Cavaliers Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Cavaliers won big over the Towson Tigers 73-42, while the Rams defeated the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs 69-57.
VCU played a nearly flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.9 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.483. Gardner-Webb was 32.4 and 0.433, respectively, for those same stats. Virginia, on the other hand, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a turnover percentage of 7.5 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.574. Towson was 20.9 and 0.366, respectively, for those same stats. De’Andre Hunter put together a solid outing for Virginia with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, VCU rallied around Issac Vann, who contributed 16 points and eight rebounds.
The Cavaliers won the lone game between these two teams last year, 76-67. The Cavaliers’ 7.3 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Rams, who had a mark of 16.4.
Virginia should have the edge on the defensive side of the ball. The Cavaliers rank 14th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.444), while VCU is 189th in effective field goal percentage (0.512) since the 2017-18 season. Moreover, the Rams rank 281st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.206), while the Cavaliers rank 37th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.188).
VCU Rams at Virginia Cavaliers Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – VCU, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Virginia ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (4.0) while VCU ranks 201st (6.9).
- The Cavaliers rank fourth in assists allowed per game (9.0) while the Rams rank 151st (13.3).
- Virginia is 27th in the nation with 2.5 blocks allowed per game while VCU is 50th with 2.7 blocks allowed per game.
- The Cavaliers rank eighth in rebounds allowed per game (30.3) while the Rams rank 202nd (36.1).
- VCU ranks 93rd in three pointers attempted per game (24.0) while Virginia ranks 249th (19.5).
