Utah (21-14) vs VCU (24-13)
Game Info: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 9:00 pm (Jon M. Huntsman Center)
Betting Odds: Utah -6.5 -- Over/Under: 145.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The VCU Rams will head out to Salt Lake City to meet the Utah Utes this Wednesday in the NIT Quarterfinals at the Huntsman Center on ESPN2. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a VCU vs Utah Prediction.
- The Virginia Commonwealth recent form and recent player performance
- The Utah recent form and recent player performance
- Recent Betting trends and streaks involving VCU
- Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Utah
- A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between VCU vs Utah.
Virginia Commonwealth Preview: Will the Rams Return to NYC?
Virginia Commonwealth comes in at 24-13 after defeating USF in Tampa during the Round of 16 by five, 70-65. The Rams outplayed the Bulls down the stretch, and they’ll look to pull off a third straight road win here in Salt Lake City. VCU is scoring 71.4 points per game, on 44.3% shooting, while allowing 66.5 ppg, and they’re 6-4 over their last ten games.
VCU Team Profile
- Utah State transfer Max Shulga hasn’t shot well thru the first two NIT matchups, but he still leads VCU in scoring (14.6), while grabbing 4.9 rpg.
- Chesterfield native Joe Bamisile went for a team-high 17 points in the Villanova victory, and he’s second on the team at 13.6 ppg.
- Senior guard Zeb Jackson led the way with 14 points in the win over USF, and he’s up to 11.5 ppg and 3.5 apg.
Utah Preview: Can the Utes Avoid Being Upset?
Utah enters at 21-13 after defeating Iowa in the Round of 16, 91-82. The Utes used a strong straight to eliminate the Hawkeyes, and they’ll seek similar results this Wednesday against the Rams. Utah is scoring 78.7 points per game, on 46.9% shooting, while allowing 72.4 ppg, and they’re 6-4 over their previous ten games.
Utah Team Profile
- Senior big man Branden Carlson posted a 21-point double-double in the win over UC Irvine, and he leads Utah in scoring (17.5) and rebounding (6.9).
- Veteran guard Gabe Madsen led the way with 31 points in the Iowa victory, and he’s second on the team at 13.9 ppg.
- Georgia Tech transfer Deivon Smith posted a triple-double versus the Hawkeyes, and he leads the Utes in assists (6.9), while averaging 12.9 ppg and 5.9 rpg.
Utah Utes Team Facts
- Utah has won each of its last 11 games against non-Conference opponents at Jon M. Huntsman Center.
- Each of Utah's last six night games at Jon M. Huntsman Center have produced a total of 147+ points.
- Utah has won the first half in each of its last 12 night games at Jon M. Huntsman Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
VCU Rams Team Facts
- VCU has won each of its last six games against non-Conference opponents.
- Eighteen of VCU's last 19 night games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 141 or fewer points.
- VCU has won the first half in each of its last seven games against non-Conference opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- Utah ranks 17th among Division 1 teams for assists per game this season (17.4).
- Utah ranks T26th among Division 1 teams for field goals made per game this season (29.2).
- VCU ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (78.8%).
- VCU ranks 23rd among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (2.5).
VCU vs Utah Prediction: Rams Put Up a Fight as Underdogs in Salt Lake City
VCU has traveled well throughout the country over the past two weeks, and with a return to NYC within reach, they’re hard to look away from. The Rams found success in Brooklyn at the Barclays during the A-10 Tournament, winning three games before falling in the Final, and after winning in Philly and Tampa, finishing their mission at MSG in Manhattan feels meant to be. Now, Utah won’t be an easy out at home by any means, but they aren’t matchup proof, and this VCU team is special. First-year Rams head coach Ryan Odom comes from Utah State, so he should have his guys ready for one final road bout, and a return to the Empire State could be within reach. Spot VCU the points for this NIT Quarterfinal.