Davidson vs VCU Prediction - Basketball Picks 3/9/23

VCU Rams (24-7) vs Davidson Wildcats (16-15)

Game Info: Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 11:30 am (Barclays Center)

Betting Odds: VCU Rams -7 -- Over/Under: 135 Click Here for the Latest Odds

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The Davidson Wildcats and the VCU Rams will meet in Brooklyn to battle in the second round of the Atlantic 10 Championship at the Barclays Center on the USA Network.

Davidson moved to 16-15 after beating St. Bonaventure in the first round. The Wildcats outscored the Bonnies in both halves to down them by eleven, 65-54. Davidson is scoring 70.6 points per game, while allowing 69.1 ppg, and shooting 44.6% from the field.

Davidson is streaking at the right time after winning five of their last six games, and they’ll look to shock their fellow conference power here. Davidson plays through the inside-out tandem of Foster Loyer and Sam Mennenga. Loyer went off for a game-high 33 points in the season finale win over URI, and he leads Davidson in scoring (16.6) and assists (4.4). Mennenga is scoring an identical 15.6 ppg, while grabbing a team-lead 6.6 rpg. Sophomore swingman Desmond Watson led the team with 17 points in the first round win over SBU, and he’s up to 9.5 ppg.

Virginia Commonwealth improved to 24-7 after beating George Washington in DC. The Rams traveled up I-95 to spoil GWU’s home finale with a six-point win, 74-68. VCU is scoring 69.9 points per game, while allowing 63.3 ppg, and shooting 45.5% from the field.

VCU closed the regular season by winning 14 of their last 16 games en route to an A10 title, and they’ll start the quest to becoming outright conference champions here. The Rams got stronger as the season went on, and they’re led by three year starter Adrian Baldwin Jr. The 6’1 guard scored 18 points in the late season Cap City Classic win over Richmond, and he leads the team in scoring (12.6) and assists (5.8). Michigan transfer Brandon Johns Jr. double-doubled in the season finale against GWU, and he’s second on the team at 11.9 ppg and 5.3 rpg. Sophomore forward Jalen Deloach double-doubled against Saint Louis and St. Bonaventure, and he’s up to 9.9 ppg and a team-leading 7.2 rpg.

Davidson is 15-14 against the spread this season, with a 10-19 over/under record. VCU is 15-15-1 ATS this year, with a 13-18 o/u record.

I’d hate for Davidson to turn back the clock and upset my alma mater here, and after matching up with St. Bonaventure in a scrapfest yesterday, I think VCU can finish them off Thursday morning. The Rams were sharp down the stretch, passing nearly every test since early December, and there shouldn’t be a letdown here. Davidson’s name carries value, but I like VCU advancing comfortably here. Roll with the Rams for this A10 Quarterfinal.