VCU vs No. 18 Saint Louis Preview, Odds, Predictions (Feb. 20)

• The Rams are rolling with 10 consecutive wins.
• The Billikens look to bounce back from their upset loss to Rhode Island.
• This marks the 25th all-time matchup between the two A-10 squads.

A crucial matchup will commence in the Atlantic 10 as the No. 18 Saint Louis Billikens host the VCU Rams on Friday night. The hosts stand tall as the solid favorite, understanding the effects of this game as the regular-season title is on the line.

How to Watch

• When: Friday, Feb. 20, 7 pm ET
• Where: Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis, Missouri
• How to Watch: ESPN2

NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines

Game Preview

The Rams (21-6, 12-2 A-10) are right behind the Billikens when it comes to competing for the regular-season title. They boast an active 10-game win streak, coming off convincing wins over the Richmond Spiders and the George Washington Revolutionaries. Terrence Hill Jr. leads the attack with averages of 14.6 points, 2.9 assists and 2.8 rebounds per contest. Nyk Lewis recently won the conference’s Rookie of the Week Award for his performances last week. He averaged 10.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game on 58% shooting from the field in those two games against La Salle and Richmond.

The Billikens (24-2, 12-1 A-10) have enjoyed a remarkable run this season as they won 18 consecutive games before losing to Rhode Island. They can keep their place in the AP Top 25 poll if they can beat VCU, which puts them in firm position to likely secure the regular-season title. They lead the nation in scoring margin at +22.3 and are sixth nationally in scoring offense (90.2 ppg). Robbie Avila leads the Billikens in scoring with 12.7 points per game, ranking first among Division I centers in assists per game (4.3) and 3-pointers made per game (1.8).

VCU vs Saint Louis Head-to-Head

The two programs have had 24 meetings in their history, and the result is 17-7 for the Rams. The last matchup was in January this year when Saint Louis won on the road.

VCU vs Saint Louis Predictions

This matchup will be close between VCU and Saint Louis as both teams know what’s at stake. The Billikens lead the NCAA in both FG% defense (.365), 3FG% defense (.276), while also ranking seventh in the NCAA in rebound margin (+9.9). As for VCU, they are second to the Bills in both points per game (83.7) and scoring margin (11.1). The Rams are third in the conference in 3-pointers made per game (9.5). This game will go down to the wire, but Saint Louis may rely on the immense homecourt support to pull away with the win. Our betting pick here is the Billikens to defend a 7.5-point spread.

• Free NCAAB pick: Saint Louis Billikens -7.5