The Rhode Island Rams (11-3, 3-0 A10) put their six-game winning streak on the line when they clash with the Saint Louis Billikens (8-8, 1-2 A10) at Chaifetz Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 9, 2018, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 131.5 points with Rhode Island set as a 9-point favorite.
Rhode Island Rams vs. Saint Louis Billikens ATS Prediction
In the Rams’ last contest, they dismantled the George Washington Colonials, 81-60. The Rams forced 16 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.603 (above their season average of 0.511). With 22 points on 9-for-12 shooting, Jared Terrell was the game’s leading scorer.
The Billikens defeated the Richmond Spiders in their last matchup, 69-62. The Billikens, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 30.0, had an extraordinary mark of 41.0, while the Spiders had a turnover percentage of 21.8 (above their season average of 16.3). D.J. Foreman was Saint Louis’ high scorer with 16 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
The physical Saint Louis offense might be living from the free throw line in this matchup. The Billikens currently rank 19th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.304, while Rhode Island ranks 312th in FTA rate allowed (0.296).
Rhode Island comes into the contest with records of 11-3 straight up (SU) and 6-4-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has been spot on when predicting totals of Rams games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Meanwhile, Saint Louis is 8-8 SU and 7-6 ATS. Games involving the Billikens have gone under the projected point total 53.8 percent of the time.
Terrell has averaged 18.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals over the last five games for Rhode Island.
After the Rams won the only contest against the Billikens last season, 90-56, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Rams had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.635 vs. 0.375) and had a much better turnover percentage (9.9 vs. 16.7).
Rhode Island Rams at Saint Louis Billikens Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Rhode Island, ATS Winner – Rhode Island, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Rhode Island is 2-2-1 ATS on the road with 3 overs and 2 unders.
At home, Saint Louis is 4-3 ATS with 4 unders and 3 overs.
Rhode Island ranks 30th in steals per game (8.2) while Saint Louis ranks 91st (6.6).
The Rams rank 22nd in assists allowed per game (10.6) while the Billikens rank 72nd (12.3).
Rhode Island allows the fewest three pointers per game (14.4) while Saint Louis ranks 39th (19.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Rhode Island is 3-1-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Saint Louis is 3-1 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Rams’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.6, up from 9.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Billikens have scored an average of 66.4 points per game (1.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 62.6 points per game (2.8 below their season average).
