Will Davidson run out of steam vs. VCU?
The Wildcats worked overtime last night to extinguish St. Bonaventure’s NCAA hopes, but will they have enough energy to conquer yet another A-10 foe 18 hours later?
Oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv think otherwise. Second-seeded VCU comes into the league’s second quarterfinal as an 8-point favorite, having blown out UMass on Friday.
Nevertheless, the Rams don’t exactly boast sturdy Big Dance standing themselves. VCU carries a 1-4 record against top-50 adversaries in head coach Will Wade’s first year on the job. RPI-wise, three other league members had a superior figure entering the week’s action in Brooklyn.
Rising sophomore Justin Tillman knows this, and the Detroit native must continue his upward tick in production if the Rams are to celebrate at the Barclays Center again. Wade would obviously adore anything resembling Tillman’s recent 12-point, 21-rebound parade against Dayton.
It’s up to Brian Sullivan to enact counter measures on the other side. Davidson’s resident sharpshooter capped yesterday’s rally with a pair of treys in the extra session. He also receives considerable aid from Peyton Aldridge, whose steeliness at the free-throw line helped salt away a 90-86 triumph.
Wade’s approach deviates very little from that of his predecessor, Shaka Smart, so expect VCU to badger with backcourt pressure and stake claim to the paint. It’s the wrong matchup, at the wrong time, for the Wildcats.
SATURDAY NCAA FREE PICK: VCU -8
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