Published Mar 15, 12:27pm ET by
Gabriel Kozlow - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 15, 12:27pm ET
Updated Mar 15, 12:27pm ET
The Atlantic 10 Conference title game is set as the Dayton Flyers battle the VCU Rams at PPG Paints Arena. VCU finished second in the conference standings, while Dayton entered the tournament as the No. 4 seed.
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| VCU RAMS | -3.5 (-105) |
| DAYTON FLYERS | +3.5 (-105) |
Dayton won at the buzzer against St. Louis in one of the most entertaining games of the day. The Flyers prevailed and showed their determination heading into the title game against VCU. Dayton’s March Madness odds are strong, but winning the Atlantic 10 Tournament would secure an automatic bid and improve its seeding.
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They will be led by Javon Bennett, their primary playmaker, who is averaging 16.3 PPG and 3.0 APG. He will need to improve his field goal percentage if Dayton hopes to overcome VCU’s pressure defense throughout the game.
The Rams’ path to the final has been relatively easier, as they dismantled Saint Joseph’s and Duquesne in their past two games. VCU also has a solid case in its March Madness odds, and the Rams should be expecting a No. 9 to No. 11 seed. A title win would improve that, of course.
VCU outperforms its rivals through its elite defense, as it ranks top 10 in steals, top 20 in points allowed, and top 20 in defensive efficiency. Still, the Rams will need enough offense to overcome their opponent, so expect Terrence Hill to take the lead with his playmaking ability.
Dayton is playing inspired basketball after coming back to win its last game in buzzer-beating fashion. However, VCU is favored at -3.5, with an over/under of 137.5. The moneyline has VCU at -162 and Dayton at +136.
Dayton is a good shooting team, but with VCU’s defense, we feel its field goal percentage will take a hit. Our pick leans on VCU’s intensity and elite defense to cover the -3.5 spread.
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Pick
VCU Rams -3.5
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