A10 Championship Game Preview: George Mason Faces Off Against VCU as 8.5-Point Underdogs
VCU Rams (-8.5) face George Mason Patriots in the A10 Conference Tournament Championship game at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Both teams finished their regular season with identical 15-3 conference records, with VCU holding the head-to-head advantage.
White-uniformed NBA player shooting basketball
Game Details:
- Time: 1pm ET
- Broadcast: CBS
- Spread: VCU -8.5
- Moneyline: VCU -410, George Mason +320
- Total: 127.5 points
Path to Championship:
- George Mason: Defeated George Washington (80-65) and St Joseph's (74-64)
- VCU: Beat St Bonaventure (76-59) and Loyola Chicago (62-55)
Key Players:
- George Mason: Jalen Haynes (First Team All-Conference)
- VCU: Max Shulga (A10 Player of the Year)
Two NBA players battle for ball
Defensive Strengths:
- VCU: 62.6 points allowed (1st in A10), 39.3% opponent FG%, 30.3% opponent 3PT%
- George Mason: 63.1 points allowed, 38% opponent FG% (best in A10)
Previous Matchup: VCU won 70-54 on Feb 22, with superior three-point shooting (+15) and turnover margin (+5)
Basketball players jumping for rebound
Public Betting Trends:
- Moneyline: 87% on VCU
- Spread: 80% handle on George Mason
- Total: 82% handle on Over
Prediction: Despite VCU's five-game winning streak against George Mason, take the Patriots +8.5 (-110). George Mason's improved tournament offense and Haynes' hot scoring streak (22+ points in 5 of last 7) should keep this game competitive.
Player Props to Watch:
- Jalen Haynes (GMU): Over 15.5 points
- Max Shulga (VCU): Under 14.5 points
- Jack Clark (VCU): Over 6.5 rebounds