VMI vs Western Carolina Prediction 2/1/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a VMI vs Western Carolina prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, February 1st at the Ramsey Center in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

VMI Keydets Betting Preview

The VMI Keydets are 10-12 (4-5) this year after they defeated Wofford by a score of 74-67 in their last game. VMI led 41-25 at halftime and they were able to get the win, despite being outscored 42-33 in the second half. The Keydets shot 46% from the field, 42.3% on three-pointers, and 73.9% on free throws in the game. TJ Johnson led VMI with 20 points and three rebounds, while Rickey Bradley Jr. added 16 points and five steals in the game. 

Prior to that victory, the Keydets lost to UNC Greensboro by a score of 60-57 but did beat Furman by a score of 91-82 before that. VMI has won four of their last five games and they are currently near the bottom of the SoCon standings with a 4-5 record. VMI has scored 76.0 points per game and they have allowed 71.9 points per game, while also averaging 35.7 rebounds and 14.0 assists per game this season. Augustinas Kiudulas is averaging 15.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, while Rickey Bradley Jr. is averaging 15.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game this season. VMI is shooting 43.6% from the field, 74.9% on free throws, and 34.4% on three-pointers this year. 

Western Carolina Catamounts Betting Preview

The Western Carolina Catamounts are 6-14 (2-7) this season after they lost to Chattanooga by a score of 84-60 in their last game. Western Carolina trailed 44-25 at halftime and allowed 40 more points in the second half in the blowout loss. The Catamounts shot 32.1% from the field, 21.7% on three-pointers, and 73.1% on free throws in the game. Marcus Kell led Western Carolina with 15 points and two rebounds, while Cord Stansberry added 11 points and three rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Catamounts defeated The Citadel by a score of 80-78 but did lose to East Tennessee State by a score of 85-58 before that. Western Carolina has lost four of their last five games and they are currently second to last in the SoCon standings. Western Carolina has scored 67.9 points per game and they have allowed 78.6 points per game, while also averaging 38.0 rebounds and 11.3 assists per game this season. Bernard Pelote is averaging 13.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game, while Cord Stansberry is averaging 11.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game this year. Western Carolina is shooting 38.6% from the field, 74.8% on free throws, and 28.7% on three-pointers this season. 

Why VMI will beat Western Carolina

• Western Carolina has lost eight of its last 10 games against Conference opponents.
• VMI has won four of its last five games against the Southern Conference.
• VMI has won the first half in each of its last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

VMI vs Western Carolina Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup towards the bottom of the conference standings, but Western Carolina will be at home for this game. The Catamounts have lost four of their last five games and they are shooting just 38% from the field this year. Western Carolina has also struggled defensively, as they have allowed over 78 points per game this season. VMI is below .500 in conference play, but they are playing very well right now. The Keydets are shooting 43.6% from the field and they have scored at least 74 points in three of their last four. Take VMI on the road in this contest.