Game of the Night:
VCU Rams vs St. Bonaventure Bonnies – 3:00 PM ET (NBCSN)
The VCU Rams (14-5, 6-0 A10) will look to stay unbeaten in conference play when the St. Bonaventure Bonnies (12-5, 4-2 A10) pay them a visit. This game will boast the top offenses in the A10, VCU comes in ranked #1 in offensive efficiency while the Bonnies are ranked #2. While VCU should be the favorite, the Bonnies are a sleeper in the A10. A win for the Bonnies would do wonders for their at-large chances. It should be a fun matchup in snow covered Richmond.
The Rams are undoubtedly the hottest team in the A10, racking up nine straight wins. The difference maker in the nine game streak is JeQuan Lewis. The junior guard is coming off an impressive performance against Duqesnse, dropping 11 points and dishing out 8 assists. Coach Will Wade has said multiple times that this team will go as far as Lewis will take them. Another leader for the Rams is senior guard Melvin Johnson who is averaging 18.2 points per game. One of the most impressive aspects of this VCU team is its depth. Will Wade is able to go 10 deep with his rotation, not something many coaches can say.
The Bonnies are coming off a loss to Dayton after a hot start to A10 play. The Bonnies heavily rely on the play of Marcus Posley and Jaylen Adams. Two guys who can flat out score. Posley is averaging 18.5 PPG while Adams is averaging 18.2. The Bonnies are lacking an inside presence, which could hurt them while facing Mo Allie Cox. Another name to look out for is Dion Wright. Wright is averaging 15.2 points per game along with 8.6 rebounds. He could be the difference maker for the Bonnies. If the Bonnies was to win on Sunday, they will need to get get early fouls and chip into the depth of VCU.
While the odds certainly favor the Rams, the Bonnies could certainly make this an interesting game. This is a very important game for the at-large chances of the Bonnies. That being said, I think VCU takes care of business and makes it a ten game winning streak.
Elsewhere in A10 Action
Fordham Rams vs Dayton Flyers 4:00 PM ET (CBSSN)
The Flyers will look to extend their three game winning streak on the road at Fordham. Charles Cooke is coming off a 21 point outing against St Bonaventure. Fordham is coming off a win against George Mason in which four players reached double figures. Fordham ranks 8th in the country in forcing turnovers, 17 per game. This could be a close game, but I just don’t see that happening. Look for Dayton to pull away and make it four straight.
Saint Joseph’s Hawks vs La Salle Explorers 5:00 ET
The Explorers will try to end the Hawk’s four game winning streak on Sunday. It will be a tough task, but anything is possible in a rivalry. This game will feature two of the top players in the league, Jordan Price and DeAndre Bembry. Aside from Price, La Salle doesn’t have much as injuries have plagued them. I expect St. Joes to pull away early.
