The final game on the Saturday slate sees the 10-seed VCU Rams (19-7) taking on the seventh-seeded Oregon Ducks (20-6). We round out our Saturday night with a game that expects to be close throughout. The Ducks have been incredible this season and we all know what VCU is capable of once the calendar hits March. If they want to make another run in 2021, the Rams will have to take down an Oregon team that is capable of shooting anyone out of the gym. Let’s continue our NCAA Odds series and make a VCU-Oregon prediction and pick.
Here is how the sportsbooks have set the odds:
NCAA Odds: VCU-Oregon Odds
VCU Rams +5 (-105)
Oregon Ducks -5 (-115)
Over 137.5 Points (-110)
Under 137.5 Points (-110)
Why VCU Could Cover The Spread
The Atlantic 10 Conference champions are one of the best defensive teams in the country. They locked down their entire conference in route to the title. This Rams defense is capable of slowing down any team in the country and will come out with a solid game plan to slow down the Ducks. VCU is led by big man Hason Ward (3.6 rpg, 2.4 bpg) on the defensive end. He's the presence down low that every team needs to consistently lock teams down. The Rams are second in steal percentage, fourth in block percentage, eighth in turnover percentage, and twentieth in effective field goal percentage against in the country.
The struggles for the Rams have been seen on the offensive end of the floor. The lone bright spot for this team has been Nah'Shon Hyland (19.5 ppg). Hyland was especially good in the Atlantic 10 tournament, dropping 21.3 points per game during the championship run. He has been the stable as only one other player on this roster is averaging double figures in 2021. With Hyland coming into this game hobbled with a foot injury, the Rams will really need to lean on the defense to come away victorious. They are 6-0 ATS in their last six games against the Pac 12.
Why Oregon Could Cover The Spread
Coming off of a loss to Oregon State in the Pac 12 title game, the Oregon Ducks are in a prime spot to make a run in the tournament. They have been playing very well of late, going 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS in their last seven outings. Unlike the Rams, the Ducks possess a balanced attack with a potent offensive group. Their 20-6 record is a clear indicator of what this team is capable of doing to opponents each and every night.
The Ducks have five players on their roster averaging double figures in 2021. Oregon is led by star players Eugene Omoruyi and Chris Duarte. Each has averaged 16.7 points per game and they combine to shoot 77.8% from the charity stripe. The Oregon Ducks average 74.1 points per game and only allow 66.9 points per game. With the best three point percentage in the Pac 12, the Oregon Ducks will look to shoot at a high clip and put a resounding end to VCU's season.
Final VCU-Oregon Prediction & Pick
The line has moved one point in favor of the Rams, which is a clear correlation to their previous success in this tournament. As news came out about Nah'Shon Hyland's hobbled foot, it seems that Oregon has a clear disparity between the two on the offensive end. The Rams would need Hyland's absolute best to stick around with the Ducks potent offense and stable defense. Depth will be the difference maker on Saturday night.
FINAL PICK: Oregon -5 (-115)
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