The VCU Rams and Memphis Tigers are set to compete in a non-conference game at the FedExForum in Memphis. Both teams enter the game with a 1-0 record in the 2027 regular season. VCU recently secured a win against the Little Rock Trojans, while Memphis defeated the Iowa State Cyclones.
VCU's recent win featured strong performances from Torey Alston, who scored 17 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, and Nyk Lewis, who added 15 points and 5 assists. Memphis had standout contributions from Jayden Reid, who led the team with 26 points, and Luke Almodovar, who recorded 18 points and 8 rebounds.
The Rams are slight favorites, with a spread of -0.5 and a moneyline of -132. The over/under for the game is set at 157.5. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ this Saturday.
Memphis vs VCU At a Glance
- Matchup: VCU Rams vs Memphis Tigers
- Location: FedExForum, Memphis TN
- Date & Time: Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- VCU Record: 1-0
- Memphis Record: 1-0
Memphis Tigers: A Deep Dive into Their 2027 Season Start
Offensive Overview
The Memphis Tigers score 80.0 points per game, placing them in the 182nd position in scoring nationally. Their offensive strategy includes 55.0 field goal attempts per game, which ranks them 368th. Despite the lower shot attempts, they have a strong 3-point shooting percentage of 45.0, ranking 34th.
Memphis relies on their free throw opportunities, making 25.0 per game, which ranks them 29th. They attempt 33.0 free throws per game, indicating a focus on drawing fouls and converting from the line. Their free throw percentage stands at 75.8, placing them in the top half nationally.
Key Players
Jayden Reid leads the Tigers with 26.0 points per game. He also contributes defensively with 2 steals per game. Luke Almodovar adds 18.0 points and secures 8 rebounds on average.
Rihards Vavers adds depth with 15.0 points and 5 rebounds per game. Tylik Weeks supports with 8.0 points and 4 assists per game. Corneilous Williams adds 6.0 points and 8 rebounds, showcasing his presence on the boards.
Defensive Stats
The Tigers average 7.0 steals per game, ranking them 199th. They block 4.0 shots per game, sitting at 266th in the nation. They commit 29.0 fouls per game, which is an area needing improvement.
Turnovers are a factor, with the team averaging 13.0 per game. This stat places them in the middle of the pack nationally. Improved ball control could enhance their offensive efficiency.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS as Underdog: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
VCU Rams: Analyzing the Opposition
Team Overview
The VCU Rams have begun their season with a strong offensive display. Averaging 82 points per game, they rank 167th in the nation. Their fast-paced approach results in 69.8 possessions per game.
Despite their scoring, the Rams struggle with shooting efficiency. They hold a field goal percentage of 38.5, placing them 321st. Improving their shot selection could enhance their offensive output.
Key Players
Torey Alston stands out as a pivotal player for VCU. He contributes 17 points and 12 rebounds per game, showcasing his impact on both ends of the court. His shooting percentage of 57.1% highlights his ability to convert scoring opportunities.
Lazar Djokovic adds depth to the Rams' offense. With 15 points per game, his scoring ability complements the team's dynamic. Nyk Lewis, a guard, also averages 15 points, indicating his role in VCU's backcourt.
Offensive Strategies
VCU's offensive strategy emphasizes free throws. They lead the nation in both free throws made and attempted per game. This approach compensates for their lower field goal shooting efficiency.
The Rams attempt 25 three-pointers per game, connecting at a rate of 32%. While not highly efficient, this outside shooting provides an additional scoring dimension. Balancing their inside and outside game could be beneficial.
Defensive Outlook
Defensively, VCU averages 6 steals per game, ranking 134th. This suggests they can disrupt opponents' offensive flow. Their 3 blocks per game also contribute to their defensive presence.
The Rams' defense forces 13 turnovers per game. This turnover rate could create more scoring opportunities for their offense. Limiting fouls, as they average 17 per game, could further strengthen their defense.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
Memphis vs VCU Prediction: Over 157.5
Looking at the offensive stats for both teams, VCU averages 82 points per game, while Memphis averages 80. Both teams have shown strong scoring abilities early in the season. The over/under is set at 157.5, which seems reachable given their offensive potential.
VCU's free throw game is particularly strong, making an average of 34 free throws per game. This can significantly contribute to a high-scoring game. Memphis also performs well at the free throw line, adding an additional layer of scoring potential.
The previous matchups between these teams also indicate a tendency for higher scores. Memphis's last game against VCU ended with a total of 165 points. This suggests that both teams are capable of high-scoring outcomes when they meet.
Based on these factors, the prediction leans towards the over. The combination of VCU's and Memphis's scoring capabilities, particularly from free throws, supports this pick. The projected final score reflects a competitive game with both teams breaking the century mark.
- Memphis vs VCU Prediction: Over 157.5
- Memphis vs VCU Score: Memphis 88 - VCU 82
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