The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rams are set to host the Dayton Flyers on Friday night, with the opportunity to secure the Atlantic 10 (A-10) conference title outright. The game is crucial as VCU, boasting a record of 25-5 overall and 15-2 in the A-10, seeks to clinch its place at the top while the Flyers hold a record of 21-9 and 11-6 in conference play.

Game Details

Scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. at the Stuart Siegel Center, VCU enters the matchup on a impressive nine-game winning streak and has already secured a share of the A-10’s regular-season championship. A victory for VCU on Friday would guarantee them the outright title, while they also hope to see George Mason falter against Richmond the following day.

The Rams are currently favored by 9.5 points as per the latest betting lines, with an over/under set at 141.5 points, according to consensus odds from SportsLine. Before diving into predictions and picks for this matchup, it’s worth noting that a model at SportsLine has accurately simulated the outcomes of these two teams extensively, showing promising results for its recommendations.

Why VCU Rams Are Poised to Win

Having positioned themselves as the standout team within the conference this season, VCU’s only two losses in the A-10 have come in closely contested games away from home. Their recent performance includes a commanding 70-54 victory against second-place George Mason, and a solid 71-62 win against Duquesne that solidified their share of the title.

Senior guard Max Shulga has been instrumental, contributing significantly with an average of 15.5 points per game, including a standout performance of 22 points in their last game. Additionally, senior guard Joe Bamisile supports the offense well, averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. VCU has also maintained a strong record in covering the spread, achieving success in their last seven home games.

Challenges for the Dayton Flyers

On the other side, the Dayton Flyers have found momentum at a critical juncture, winning five of their last six contests, including a recent victory against Saint Louis with a score of 75-67. This performance catapulted them into a three-way tie for third place in the A-10 standings.

Key player Enoch Cheeks scored 17 points with nine rebounds in the win over Saint Louis, showcasing the team’s balanced attack with multiple players in double-digit scoring. Senior forward Nate Santos leads the Flyers with an average of 14.2 points per game, while Cheeks and others contribute effectively, making Dayton a competitive contender in this matchup.

Expert Predictions and Betting Trends

According to the model evaluating the game, it leans towards an over outcome and has identified point spread picks that have a solid performance history. Those interested in insights on which side of the spread might be more favorable can access these recommendations on SportsLine.