VCU Rams vs. Duquesne Dukes Picks and Prediction for Saturday, January 3, 2026
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VCU and Duquesne open Atlantic 10 play early Saturday with a 12:00 PM ET tip at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh. The Rams enter at 10-4 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while the Dukes sit at 9-5 with a matching 1-0 A-10 mark. ESPN Analytics gives VCU a 75.1 percent win probability, signaling a notable edge despite this being a road game. Both teams are scoring at nearly identical rates. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.
VCU Preview
VCU has been rolling offensively, averaging 86.8 points per game while shooting 47 percent from the field. The Rams have won four of the last five games, including back-to-back triple-digit efforts against Rider and American. Barry Evans has been a steady presence inside, leading the team with 5.4 rebounds per game while also contributing 2.6 assists. VCU’s ability to force turnovers shows up in the numbers, with 7.8 steals per game, and that pressure has helped keep opponents to 72.9 points per contest.
Recent results suggest the Rams are comfortable dictating style, whether games turn into track meets or slow down late. The win over Stony Brook highlighted VCU’s balance, as scoring came from multiple spots instead of relying on one hot hand. Ball movement has also been consistent, with 15.8 assists per game reflecting a willingness to share possessions. On the road, maintaining that efficiency is the key, especially in a conference matchup.
Duquesne Preview
Duquesne counters with a slightly higher team field goal percentage at 50 percent and averages 86.5 points per game. Tarence Guinyard leads the Dukes at 16.4 points and 5.2 assists per game, functioning as both scorer and playmaker. Terrence Hill Jr. adds 13.5 points per contest while shooting over 51 percent from the field and better than 90 percent at the free throw line. The Dukes have won three straight games, including an overtime road win at Davidson that showed resilience.
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That winning streak has come against mixed competition, and Duquesne has been less consistent when stepping up in class. The Dukes allow 76.8 points per game, and defensive rebounding can be an issue despite Jakub Necas pulling down 6.1 boards per outing. Duquesne’s assist numbers at 17.6 per game are strong, but turnovers remain a concern when pressured.
Duquesne vs VCU Prediction
VCU’s depth and defensive activity give the Rams the better overall profile in this matchup. The Rams force mistakes at a higher rate and are more reliable on the glass, which matters in a near pick-em matchup. Expect Duquesne to make runs at home, but VCU’s ability to respond has been evident over the last two weeks.
Prediction: VCU Rams 82, Duquesne Dukes 76
Best Pick:
- VCU Rams to win outright. Lean toward a game that stays under control late, with VCU pulling away in the final five minutes.
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