It will be a showdown between two stifling defenses when the Saint Louis Billikens (9-4) clash with the Rhode Island Rams (7-5) at Chaifetz Arena. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 6, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Rhode Island Rams vs. Saint Louis Billikens Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Billikens defeated the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 75-65, while the Rams easily got past the Bryant Bulldogs 97-63.
Rhode Island dominated every stat category in the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.576 and a turnover percentage of 10.9. For those same stats, Bryant was 0.382 and 15.9, respectively. Meanwhile, Saint Louis played a flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.352 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 30.6. Southeast Missouri State put up marks of 0.138 and 17.6, respectively, for those same stats. Saint Louis’ Javon Bess led the way, recording 18 points and five rebounds. Rhode Island rallied around Jeff Dowtin, who finished with 17 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.
The Rams won the lone game between these two teams last year, 72-65. The Rams’ 14.5 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Billikens, who had a rate of 21.7. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Rams’ Dowtin has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Bess has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Billikens.
Saint Louis might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they square off against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Rhode Island ranks 53rd in defensive efficiency, while the Billikens rank 294th in offensive efficiency.
Rhode Island vs. Saint Louis Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Saint Louis, ATS Winner – Rhode Island, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Saint Louis ranks 38th in rebounds per game (39.9) while Rhode Island ranks 154th in rebounds allowed per game (35.6).
- The Rams rank 47th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Billikens rank 73rd in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
- Saint Louis is 44th in the nation with 11.2 assists allowed per game while Rhode Island is 45th with 11.2 assists allowed per game.
- The Billikens rank 20th in three pointers allowed per game (18.8) while the Rams rank 95th (21.5).
- Rhode Island averages 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 49th in the NCAA. Saint Louis ranks 120th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Rams’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.0, up from 5.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Billikens have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (1.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.0 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
