As the college basketball season heats up, VCU finds itself in a precarious position - firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble with a 54 NET ranking. A win against Saint Joseph's, a team needing quality wins to build its own tournament resume, would be a significant boost to the Rams' chances. VCU's quad record, although impressive in lower tiers, is lacking in Quad 1 wins, making this matchup a valuable opportunity to pad their resume.
Saint Joseph's, riding a 3-game win streak, want to capitalize on VCU's recent inconsistency, having lost two of their last three games. However, the Hawks' own tournament hopes are hindered by a lackluster Quad 1 record, making this game a must-have for their postseason aspirations. According to the CHD Scout prediction, VCU is favored to win by 9.8 points, with an 81.3% win probability, suggesting the Rams' home-court advantage at the Siegel Center will be a significant factor.
CHD Scout Prediction
Saint Joseph's
71
VCU
81
With no notable player momentum to speak of, this game will likely come down to which team can assert its will and dictate the pace. VCU's ability to defend its home court, combined with its strong record in Quad 4 games, makes it a formidable opponent for Saint Joseph's. I predict VCU will emerge victorious, 81-71, behind a strong performance from its home crowd and a desperate need to bolster its tournament chances. The Rams' experience and defensive prowess will ultimately prove too much for the Hawks to handle.