Western Carolina vs VMI Prediction 1/15/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Western Carolina vs VMI prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, January 15th at Cameron Hall in Lexington, Virginia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Western Carolina Catamounts Betting Preview

The Western Carolina Catamounts are 5-10 (1-3) this year after they defeated Mercer by a score of 85-82 in their last game. Western Carolina trailed 44-40 at halftime, but they scored 45 points in the second half for the narrow win. The Catamounts shot 46.8% from the field, 32.4% on three-pointers, and 80% on free throws in the game. Cord Stansberry led Western Carolina with 17 points and three rebounds, while Ice Emery added 16 points and two rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Catamounts lost to Wofford by a score of 77-69 and Samford by a score of 88-69. Western Carolina has lost three of their last four games and six of their last eight, and they only have three wins against D-1 teams so far this year. Western Carolina has scored 70.3 points per game and they have allowed 78.3 points per game, while also averaging 38.9 rebounds and 12.3 assists per game this season. Bernard Pelote is averaging 13.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game, while Cord Stansberry is averaging 11.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game this year. Western Carolina is shooting 40.1% from the field, 73.9% on free throws, and 29.8% on three-pointers this season. 

VMI Keydets Betting Preview

The VMI Keydets are 6-11 (0-4) this season after they lost to Chattanooga by a score of 91-66 in their last game. VMI trailed 51-22 at halftime, but they did win the second half by a total of 44-40 in the loss. The Keydets shot 36.4% from the field, 26.1% on three-pointers, and 74.1% on free throws in the game. Augustinas Kiudulas led VMI with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Jaylen Pazon added 15 points and two rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Keydets lost to Samford by a score of 81-68 and Mercer by a score of 70-67. VMI has lost five games in a row and 10 games in a row against D-1 opponents. VMI has scored 77.0 points per game and they have allowed 73.6 points per game, while also averaging 36.8 rebounds and 14.8 assists per game this season. Augustinas Kiudulas is averaging 15.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, while Rickey Bradley Jr. is averaging 14.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game this year. VMI is shooting 43.7% from the field, 74.1% on free throws, and 34.3% on three-pointers this season. VMI will take on The Citadel after this game.

Why VMI will beat Western Carolina

• Western Carolina has lost each of its last five road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• VMI has won each of its last four night games at Cameron Hall against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• VMI has won the first half in each of its last four night games at Cameron Hall against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of VMI’s last six night games at Cameron Hall has produced a total of 157+ points.
• Each of Western Carolina’s last four road games against the Southern Conference has produced a total of 146 or fewer points.

Western Carolina vs VMI Prediction 

VMI comes into this matchup looking for their first win against a D-1 opponent since November 16th, but they will be at home for this contest. The Keydets only have two total wins against D-1 opponents this year, but they are favored to get the win here. Western Carolina hasn’t been much better than VMI to start the season, but they did beat Mercer in their last game. The Catamounts are only shooting 40.1% from the field and their defense is allowing over 78 points per game this year. I don’t like either team in this matchup, but I will side with VMI at home, as they have the advantage in most metrics.