St. Joseph's Hawks vs. Rhode Island Rams Prediction, Pick and Preview, January 12 (1/12): NCAAB

St. Joseph's Hawks vs. Rhode Island Rams Prediction, Pick and Preview, January 12 (1/12): NCAAB

Credit: photo by Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

 

Odds

 

Time 8:00 p.m. EST
STJ money line +240
STJ spread +7.5 (-110)
URI money line -320
URI spread -7.5 (-110)
Over / under 135.5

 

 
Preview

The Rhode Island Rams will host the St. Joseph's Hawks this Tuesday.

The Hawks have been inconsistent through the first half of the season. Non-conference victories over Georgetown and Big 5 rival Temple show the Hawks can compete, but they've got to start separating themselves from the pack if they want to dance in March.

The Rams came into A-10 play with solid non-conference over wins Harvard and Boston College, but they couldn't edge Davidson on the road last time out. The game was neck and neck the whole way, until the Wildcats pulled away late and secured the victory, 72-68.

St. Joseph's (7-6)

Jordan Hall is one of the most versatile players in the country, and his play will heavily effect the outcome of this game. The 6'7 swingman leads the Hawks in scoring (16.4) and assists (6.5), while grabbing 6.5 rpg.

Taylor Funk chose to stay in Philly for a fifth-year, and it's paying off for St. Joe's. The 6'8 forward is second on the team in scoring (13.8), while tying the team lead with 7.2 rpg.

Ejike Obinna was a big addition through the transfer portal, both figuratively and literally. The former Vanderbilt big double-doubled in the road win over Richmond, and his matchup with Makhel Mitchell will be one to watch.

Cameron Brown and Erik Reynolds II join the talented trio in the starting five, and they both had strong outing versus Richmond. Reynolds II scored a season-best 17 points, while Brown posted his first double-double of his career.

Rhode Island (9-6)

Jeremy Sheppard runs the offense from the lead guard spot. He scored a season-high 25 points in the road win over Milwaukee, and he leads Rhode Island in points (11.1) and assists (2.8).

The play of the Mitchell brothers up front will heavily factor into the outcome of this one. Mahki Mitchell double-doubled in the win over Milwaukee, and he leads URI in rebounding (6.9), while scoring 10.5 ppg.

Makhel Mitchell anchors the inside, and causes a lot of trouble for opposing offenses. The 6'10 big man blocked a school-record eight shots in the win over Boston College, and he ranks sixth in the nation at 2.8 bpg.

Prediction

This margin feels a little steep. The Rams could very well defend home floor, but spotting St. Joe's seven points feels good here. They have the size to contain the Mitchell brothers, and Jordan Hall will be the best player on the floor. The Hawks will have a shot, and we like them in this underdog spot.

PICK: St. Joe's +7.5

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