#8 Fordham Rams vs. #9 Richmond Spiders
Previous Meetings
Jan. 10 @ Fordham – Richmond 93 Fordham 82
Feb. 13 @ Richmond – Richmond 71 Fordham 67
I like Richmond in this game. Richmond is one of my sleeper teams coming into this weekend’s tournament. Richmond has a high-powered offense that is more than capable of withstanding the defense of any Atlantic 10 team. While the Spiders have disappointed this season after their fourth place finish in the A-10 last season, the tournament could give them some new life as a win against the Rams could give them confidence going into a Friday afternoon game against the Dayton Flyers.
Richmond 82 Fordham 73
#5 George Washington Colonials vs. #13 Saint Louis Billikens
Previous Meeting
Feb. 6 @ Saint Louis – Saint Louis 65 George Washington 62
The Billikens come into today’s game with a win against the George Mason Patriots last night, 83-78. Even though they upset GW two months ago, I’m taking the Colonials in today’s game. George Washington head coach, Mike Lonergan will have his guys rested and ready to avenge their January loss. Kevin Larsen could have a big day against the Billikens in the post. Do not expect the Billikens to score 80 or more in back-to-back games as they are the second-to-worst team in the conference in scoring offense.
George Washington 78 Saint Louis 62
#7 Rhode Island Rams vs. #10 Massachusetts Minutemen
Previous Meetings
Feb. 2 @ Massachusetts – Massachusetts 61 Rhode Island 56
Mar. 2 @ Rhode Island – Rhode Island 68 Massachusetts 50
This is one of the trickiest games to predict. While Rhode Island is the better team on paper, however how many guys on paper can play for them? You cannot help but to feel bad for them, since this was supposed to be their year at the top of the Atlantic 10. Rhody did defeat UMass last week with only seven guys getting quality minutes. Rhody has enough to beat UMass, but will they have enough in the tank at the end to do it is the question. UMass will look to play fast to try to wear down the Rams and the Rams will likely play at a slower pace. It will likely come down to which team can impose their style. The game could go either way, but I’m taking the Minutemen in a nail-biter.
UMass 74 Rhode Island 72
#6 Davidson Wildcats vs. #14 La Salle Explorers
Previous Meeting
Feb 10 @ Davidson – Davidson 79 La Salle 66
The gameplan for any team going against the Wildcats is simple, stop Jack Gibbs. Easier said than done. However, the Explorers did that in their last matchup limiting Gibbs to eight points, but they still lost. Think about what could happen if Jack Gibbs has a decent day. The same can be said for any team that oppose Davidson.
Davidson 87 La Salle 68
Friday Predictions
#1 Dayton Flyers vs. #9 Richmond Spiders
#4 St. Joseph’s Hawks vs. #5 George Washington Colonials
#2 VCU Rams vs. #10 Massachusetts Minutemen
#3 St. Bonaventure Bonnies vs. #6 Davidson Wildcats
