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VCU vs BYU Prediction 3/20/25 College Basketball Picks
Pick details
BYU (24-9) vs VCU (28-6)
March 20, 2025 at 04:05 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: BYU -2.5 — Over/Under: 146.5
The VCU Rams and BYU Cougars meet Thursday in the college basketball First Round at the Ball Arena. Here’s a VCU vs BYU Prediction. This article will include a VCU vs BYU Pick.
VCU Rams Betting Preview
The VCU Rams recently beat St. Bonaventure, Loyola Chicago, and George Mason. VCU has won 12 of its last 13 games.
The VCU Rams are averaging 78 points on 44.8 percent shooting and allowing 62.7 points on 39.4 percent shooting. Max Shulga is averaging 15.1 points and 5.9 rebounds, while Joe Bamisile is averaging 15.1 points and 1.9 assists. Phillip Russell is the third double-digit scorer and Zeb Jackson is grabbing 3.7 rebounds. The VCU Rams are shooting 33.9 percent from beyond the arc and 74.4 percent from the free throw line. The VCU Rams are allowing 30.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 35.5 rebounds per game.
BYU Cougars Betting Preview
The BYU Cougars recently played West Virginia, Iowa State, Utah, and Houston. BYU has won 13 of its last 16 games and hasn’t lost two straight games since February 4-8.
The BYU Cougars are averaging 81.4 points on 48.7 percent shooting and allowing 70.1 points on 42.5 percent shooting. Richie Saunders is averaging 16 points and 4.4 rebounds, while Egor Demin is averaging 10.3 points and 5.4 assists. Trevin Knell is grabbing 2.4 rebounds and Fousseyni Traore is dishing 1.4 assists. The BYU Cougars are shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc and 69.4 percent from the free throw line. The BYU Cougars are allowing 34.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.6 rebounds per game.
Why the BYU Cougars will win
- VCU has lost each of its last 10 games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- BYU has won nine of its last 10 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- VCU has lost the first half in each of its last four NCAA Tournament games.
Why the VCU Rams will win
- VCU has won each of its last six day games.
- BYU has lost the first half in each of its last three games against the Atlantic 10 Conference at neutral venues.
Total Points Facts
- Each of VCU’s last seven day games against AP-ranked opponents has produced a total of 144 or fewer points.
- Four of BYU’s last five games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues have produced a total of 141 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- BYU ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for assists per game this season (17.2).
- BYU ranks 16th among Division 1 teams for true shooting percentage this season (60.1%).
- VCU ranks 6th among Division 1 teams for net rating this season (+22.9).
- VCU ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for opponent assists per game this season (9.9).
VCU vs BYU Injury Report
VCU doesn’t have a player listed on its injury report. BYU will be without Kanon Catchings due to a knee injury.
VCU vs BYU Prediction
BYU may be the more talented team and it’s pretty much a home game in Colorado, but the value is with VCU and the points. VCU is a team that’s used to winning and is possibly the best defensive team in the tournament. VCU is top-10 in scoring defense and field goal percentage defense and top-25 in three-point percentage defense. VCU is going to get physical with BYU and can make things uncomfortable for a Cougars side that’s used to scoring in the 80s. If VCU can control the pace and string together stops, we’re looking at an upset on the opening day of the tournament. Give me VCU and the bucket.
