Central Florida Knights vs. VCU Rams 3/22/19, Predictions & Odds

UCF vs. VCU Prediction

Who has the edge when No. 9 Central Florida takes on No. 8 VCU in the NCAA Tournament’s East Region at 9:40PM ET?

Game Snapshot & Odds

799 Central Florida vs. 800 VCU

Friday, March 22, 2019

9:40PM ET – Colonial Life Arena

TV: CBS

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Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Central Florida is favored slightly in this game, as the Knights are getting odds of -1 point against the Rams. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 126.5 points. The public betting currently has 55 percent going on Central Florida as the slight favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.

Knights lose back-to-back

UCF has lost its last two games, falling to Temple and Memphis. The Knights are 23-8 on the season, 3-1 on a neutral floor, 18-12-1 against the spread and 15-15-1 with the over/under total.

The Knights are a solid defensive team, as they are giving up 64.3 points per game while opponents shoot just 39.5 percent from the floor and 31.3 percent against the arc. Offensively, UCF is scoring 72.1 points per game while shooting 46.3 percent from the field. B.J. Taylor is leading the team with 16.0 points per game while Aubrey Dawkins is adding 15.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest.

VCU ends long win streak

The Rams had a lengthy win streak come to an end last weekend in a 75-70 loss to Rhode Island in the A-10 Tournament. VCU is 25-7 on the season, 1-2 on a neutral floor, 20-11-1 against the spread and 18-13 with the under.

VCU is also a strong defensive team, as the Rams are giving up 61.6 points per game while opponents are held to 38.4 percent shooting from the field and 27.6 percent from the arc. Offensively, VCU is putting up 71.4 points per game while shooting 44.2 percent from the field. Marcus Evans is averaging 13.8 points and 3.2 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game to lead the team. He is dealing with a knee injury, but is probable to play today. De’Riante Jenkins is adding 11.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per contest.

College Basketball Betting Trends

UCF

The Knights are 11-4 against the spread in their last 15 non-conference games and 5-2 ATS in their last seven on a neutral site.

VCU

The Rams are 15-4 against the spread in their last 19 NCAA Tournament games and 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a loss.

Prediction:

The Rams have been a team that have made tournament runs before and I think that will help them prevail today. VCU has some good depth among its scoring and its defense is better than Central Florida. This game will likely be a grind and I think the Rams are more comfortable in that type of game. Look for VCU to make some key defensive stops to earn the win.

College Basketball Prediction: VCU +1