VMI vs Samford Prediction 1/9/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a VMI vs Samford prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 9th at the Pete Hanna Center in Homewood, Alabama. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

VMI Keydets Betting Preview

The VMI Keydets are 6-9 (0-2) this year after they lost to Mercer by a score of 70-67 in their last game. VMI trailed 34-26 at halftime, but they did score 41 points in the second half in the narrow loss. The Keydets shot 40% from the field, 33.3% on three-pointers, and 70% on free throws in the game. Rickey Bradley Jr. led VMI with 30 points and four rebounds, while AJ Clark added 12 points and 12 rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Keydets lost to East Tennessee State by a score of 84-69 and Richmond by a score of 78-71. VMI has lost three games in a row and they have lost eight straight against D-1 opponents. VMI has scored 78.3 points per game and they have allowed 72.0 points per game, while also averaging 37.6 rebounds and 15.3 assists per game this season. Augustinas Kiudulas is averaging 14.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, while Rickey Bradley Jr. is averaging 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game this season. VMI will meet Chattanooga after this game.

Samford Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Samford Bulldogs are 12-3 (2-0) this season after they defeated Western Carolina by a score of 88-69 in their last game. Samford led 44-34 at halftime and they scored 44 more points in the second half in the win. The Bulldogs shot 52.8% from the field, 40% on three-pointers, and 81.5% on free throws in the game. Jaden Brownell led Samford with 23 points and four rebounds, while Trey Fort added 18 points and three rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Bulldogs defeated The Citadel by a score of 86-56 and Alabama A&M by a score of 97-90. Samford has won three games in a row and eight of their last nine, and they are one of two undefeated teams in the SoCon. Samford has scored 88.7 points per game and they have allowed 75.8 points per game, while also averaging 36.3 rebounds and 18.6 assists per game this season. Trey Fort is averaging 15.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, while Jaden Brownell is averaging 14.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game this year. Samford is shooting 48.1% from the field, 71.4% on free throws, and 38.6% on three-pointers this season. 

Why VMI will beat Samford

• VMI has won the first half in three of its last four night games.

VMI vs Samford Prediction 

Samford comes into this matchup with a 12-3 overall record and their three losses were against Arizona, Michigan State, and Cornell. The Bulldogs are undefeated in conference play and will be at home for this matchup. Samford has scored at least 86 points in three straight games and they are averaging 88.7 points per game this season. VMI has really struggled this season and they only have two wins against D-1 opponents so far this year. The Keydets are shooting 44% from the field, but they are scoring over 78 points per game. VMI’s main issue has been on defense, as they are allowing 72 points per game. I know Samford actually has worse defensive numbers, but their offense is able to make up for it. I do think Samford gets the relatively easy win here, but I can’t lay this many points with their defense allowing over 75 points per game. Take the points with VMI here.