VCU vs. Saint Louis odds, prediction, time: 2026 college basketball picks for Feb. 20 from proven model
CBS Sports
by
Daniel Kohn
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The No. 18 Saint Louis Billikens aim to rebound from their recent loss as they face the VCU Rams in a crucial Atlantic 10 Conference showdown on Friday. This game holds significant weight for both teams, as VCU could potentially overtake Saint Louis for first place with a win. The Rams enter the matchup on a strong 10-game winning streak, while the Billikens are looking to bounce back after their 18-game streak was snapped earlier this week.
VCU boasts a solid 21-6 record overall and a 12-2 mark in conference play, putting them just one win behind Saint Louis (24-2, 12-1) in the standings. The Rams have proven formidable at home, winning 10 straight games, while Saint Louis has been nearly untouchable on its home court with a 16-0 record this season. The teams have a storied history, but Saint Louis holds a slight edge in their head-to-head meetings, including a recent 71-62 victory earlier this month.
SportsLine's Projection Model has simulated the game over 10,000 times and predicts a close contest, with the Under (total points scored) being a strong play. The model also highlights that both teams have players capable of stepping up offensively—VCU's Terrence Hill is projected to score 13.8 points, while Saint Louis' Robbie Avila is expected to tally 15.2 points. Additionally, the Under has been more common in recent matchups between these teams, with six of the last nine VCU games and six of the last nine Saint Louis games finishing under the point total.
The matchup is not just about the game itself but also its implications for bettors. SportsLine's model is on a strong streak with its predictions, including an 11-1 run on over/under picks in Week 16. The model has identified one side of
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/20/2026