The Davidson Wildcats (18-9, 9-5 A-10) are set to face the VCU Rams (20-7, 12-2 A-10) on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET at Stuart C. Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia. This pivotal Atlantic 10 Conference matchup features two teams vying for strong positioning ahead of the conference tournament.
Team Performance and Recent Form
Davidson Wildcats
Davidson has had a solid season but has struggled on the road, posting a 4-6 away record. They are coming off a 73-68 win over Saint Louis, where Reed Bailey led the team with 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Grant Huffman added 15 points and 5 assists.
The Wildcats rely on their efficient three-point shooting and half-court execution, ranking 3rd in the A-10 in three-point percentage (37.8%). However, their defense has been inconsistent, allowing 71.3 points per game, which could be problematic against VCU’s fast-paced attack.
VCU Rams
VCU has been dominant in conference play, winning eight of their last nine games. In their most recent contest, the Rams secured a 79-66 win over Dayton, with Ace Baldwin Jr. leading the charge with 21 points and 6 assists, while Jalen DeLoach controlled the boards with 12 rebounds.
The Rams thrive on defensive pressure, ranking 1st in the A-10 in steals per game (9.2) and forcing opponents into 15.7 turnovers per game. Their up-tempo transition offense makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the conference.
Head-to-Head Matchup
This is the second meeting between Davidson and VCU this season. VCU won the first matchup, 82-72, on January 20, 2025, in a game where their defense forced 18 turnovers.
Historically, VCU has held the upper hand, winning 7 of the last 10 meetings. Davidson will need to protect the ball and slow the tempo to avoid falling into VCU’s pressure trap.
Key Players to Watch
Davidson Wildcats
- Reed Bailey – The sophomore forward is averaging 15.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, providing inside-out scoring.
- Grant Huffman – A versatile guard, contributing 12.8 points and 4.5 assists per game, who will need to handle VCU’s defensive pressure.
VCU Rams
- Ace Baldwin Jr. – The floor leader for the Rams, averaging 17.5 points and 5.8 assists per game, known for his defensive intensity.
- Jalen DeLoach – A dominant presence in the paint, averaging 10.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, controlling the interior.
Game Outlook and Prediction
This game will come down to Davidson’s ability to handle VCU’s pressure defense. If the Wildcats can limit turnovers and knock down threes, they have a chance to keep it close. However, VCU’s aggressive full-court press and transition scoring could overwhelm Davidson, especially at home.
Given VCU’s dominance in conference play and home-court advantage, they are the favorites in this matchup.
Prediction: VCU Rams 76, Davidson Wildcats 67
Broadcast Info: Fans can watch the game live on ESPNU at 7:00 PM ET.
