Memphis Tigers vs. VCU Rams
Thursday, 11/22/12, 7:00 PM EST, TV: NBC Sports Network
Opening Point Spread: Memphis -1
Current Betting Line: Memphis -2.5
Opening Total: 131
Current Total: 132
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
Memphis is set to face VCU in a 2012 Battle 4 Atlantis quarterfinal matchup, as it comes off a 65-54 win over Samford as 25.5-point home favorites. “We’ve got to start off the game better with more intensity and patience,” stated Tigers guard Antonio Barton. The Tigers know they face a quality opponent in this affair, as the Rams have knocked off three ranked teams since March 2011. Memphis is 8-18 ATS in non-conference action over the last two-plus seasons, which is important to consider when making your college basketball picks against the spread on Thanksgiving Day.
The Tigers are listed as slight favorites on the college basketball odds page due to having four players averaging in double figures offensively, with junior guard Joe Jackson leading the way in scoring 13.5 points per game. Memphis owns a 68-66 all-time record against current members of the Atlantic 10 Conference, while it has won four of five meetings against tonight’s opponent. Last season, the team was 2-3 in regular-season tournaments.
VCU has won 20 of its past 23 games dating back to early January of last season, with its three setbacks coming by a total of five points. “Every game is different, every opponent is different,” stated Rams coach Shaka Smart. The Rams have held their last eight opponents to 65 points or less, including all three during the 2012-13 campaign. VCU is 5-7 ATS in November over the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 6-4 in those contests.
The Rams are led by junior forward Juvonte Reddic offensively, as he’s averaging 16.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. VCU is hoping to build off its latest performance beyond the arc, hitting 13 of 25 shots from three-point range in its last effort, which was far different than knocking down only 29.6 percent of its shots from that area in the first two games. In making your NCAA basketball predictions in this contest, it’s important to note that VCU has covered just one of its three opportunities as a neutral court underdog of three points or less.
Sports bettors will likely back the Rams due to their 6-1 ATS record versus winning teams, while the Tigers are 0-5 ATS versus A-10 opponents.
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