VCU Rams (15-5) vs George Mason Patriots (12-8)
Game Info: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 7:00 pm (Stuart Siegel Center)
Betting Odds: VCU Rams -7 -- Over/Under: 134 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The George Mason Patriots will make the 90-minute trip down I-95 to Richmond to face the VCU Rams in Atlantic 10 action from the Siegel Center on ESPN+. VCU and GMU have faced off in every season since 1981, and the Rams lead the all-time series, 43-20.
George Mason moved to 12-8 after beating Rhode Island in Kingston. The Patriots jumped out to a 15-point halftime lead, and held on to defeat the Rams, 79-72. GMU is scoring 71.5 points per game, while allowing 67.7 ppg, and shooting 47.1% from the floor.
George Mason has traded each of their first seven conference games, and there’s a chance the trend continues against their in-state foes here. The Patriots sit at 4-3 in A-10 play, so their in the mix, they just need to find some consistency. Josh Oduro leads the charge for Kim English’s team, and he’s been beating up as of late. The three-year starter has scored 22 points or more in three of the last four games, and he posted a 24-point double-double in the win over the Rams. Oduro leads the team in scoring (14.9) and rebounding (8.1). Devon Cooper scored 20 points in the URI win, and he’s up to 11.1 ppg.
Virginia Commonwealth improved to 15-5 after beating Richmond at the Robins Center. The Rams jumped out to a double digit halftime lead, and defeated the Spiders by 14 points to win the first Cap City Classic of the season. VCU is scoring 71.5 points per game, while allowing 64.1 ppg, and shooting 45.9% from the field.
VCU has cleaned things up since beginning the season 5-4, and they’ve won ten of their last eleven games. The Rams currently sit atop the A-10, and they’ll look to double up on in-state victories here. VCU is defending at a high level per usual, and they’re led by third-year starter Adrian Baldwin Jr. The 6’1 guard scored 19 points in the win over Davidson, and he’s averaging 12.1 ppg and a team-lead 5.9 apg. Michigan transfer Brandon Johns Jr. scored 22 points against Duquesne, and he leads VCU in scoring (12.5), while grabbing 4.8 rpg. Sophomore forward Jamir Watkins double-doubled in the win over UR, and he’s up to 10.5 ppg and 5.3 rpg.
George Mason is 11-9 against the spread this season, with a 9-11 over/under record. Virginia Commonwealth is 9-10-1 ATS this year, with a 10-10 o/u record. The Over is 9-2 in GMU’s last 11 Wednesday games. The Over is 4-1 in VCU’s last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
VCU is off to one of their best starts in recent memory, while GMU has started conference play on a solid note as well. The Patriots will leave Fairfax with a chip on their shoulders, and I think they come down to Richmond and give the Rams a good game. If GMU brings the fight, this number can be hit, as it has in six of VCU’s last eight home games. Take the over for this Atlantic 10 contest.