Atlantic 10 Tournament Title Game Betting Preview

The first time these two teams met on January 20th, VCU looked like the better team in the first half going into the locker room with a 40-25 lead. However, VCU was unable to keep up the pace as the team was only able to put up 14 while Saint Bonaventure answered with 45, winning 70-54.

In the second meeting on February 12th, VCU won 67-64. However, the Bonnies were able to cover the spread against the Rams as the 3.5 point underdogs. The Bonnies covered the spread in both games and it’s worth noting that both games hit the under as well.

A10 Championship Game

Both of these teams have contrasting preferences when it comes to shooting from the field. VCU and Saint Bonaventure like to shoot closer to the basket rather than longer-range shots.

On defense, Saint Bonaventure’s defense allows marginally more opportunities from behind the arc. On the other hand, VCU’s defense is more balanced allowing shots from both the paint and the perimeter.

In terms of field goal percentage, both teams shoot around 45 percent ranking them 102nd (VCU) and 111th (Saint Bonaventure). However, the Bonnies are a lot better at shooting from downtown. The Bonnies averaged 35 percent while the Rams averaged 32.9 percent from behind the arc.

The Bonnies should also have a comfortable advantage in the rebounding department which will be the key down the stretch should the game remain close.

VCU averages 72.0 points per game while their defense is giving up 64.8 points per game. Meanwhile, Saint Bonaventure is averaging 70.3 points per game while their defense is giving up 60.1 points per game.

Both of these teams are projected to be a 9th to 11th seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, these teams are very different. VCU is a defensive-minded team supported by the ninth best-adjusted efficiency and is ranked the 7th best in forcing turnovers in the country.

Saint Bonaventure has been a strong offensive game. The team is ranked 44th in adjusted efficiency and an even better defense with the 19th best in adjusted efficiency.

Players to Watch

Nah’Shon Hyland is the only player on the Rams averaging over 15 PPG this season. Hyland led the A10 Conference in scoring with 19.4 PPG to go along with his 4.7 RPG. in the two regular-season matchups against the Bonnes, he averaged 19.0 PPG and 6.0 RPG.

Jaren Holmes led the Bonnies in scoring with 13.8 PPG and pulled down 5.3 RPG. He was very lethal from behind the arc in the A10 Conference boasting the 4th best three-point percentage. He shot 42 percent from behind the arc. The Bonnies have three players who averaged double figures in the season.

Betting Trends

VCU is: 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games as an underdog

Saint Bonaventure is 5-1 ATS in its last six games

VCU is 14-11 against the spread this season

Saint Bonaventure is 13-5-1 ATS

Final thoughts

Saint Bonaventure has been a good team to bet on via spread. This will most likely be a higher scoring game which will be good for the Bonnies as they rank 21st in the nation in positive momentum.