Fordham Rams vs. Duquesne Dukes Prediction and Betting Tips

The Fordham Rams and Duquesne Dukes are set to clash in an exciting Atlantic 10 Conference matchup on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With both teams looking to improve their standings, this game promises to be a thrilling contest. Here’s a comprehensive preview, including predictions, betting tips, and key insights to help you make informed decisions.

Game Overview

• Date and Time: Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET
• Venue: UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, Pittsburgh, PA
• TV Channel: ESPN+
• Betting Odds: Duquesne -6.5, Over/Under: 141.5

Team Form and Recent Performance

Fordham Rams (11-14, 3-9 A-10)

The Fordham Rams have had a challenging season, sitting at the bottom of the Atlantic 10 standings. Despite their struggles, they’ve shown flashes of potential, particularly on offense. The Rams rank 143rd in scoring, averaging 75.4 points per game, but their defense has been a major concern, allowing 77.2 points per game (315th in the nation).

Fordham’s fast-paced offense, ranked 53rd in tempo with 73.1 possessions per game, has been their strength. However, their shooting efficiency is subpar, ranking 238th in both two-point and three-point shooting percentages. Key players like Jackie Johnson III (18.7 PPG) and Japhet Medor (13.5 PPG) have been consistent contributors, but the team’s defensive lapses have cost them dearly.

Duquesne Dukes (10-15, 5-7 A-10)

The Duquesne Dukes have also struggled this season, but their defense has been a bright spot. They rank 50th in points allowed, giving up just 66.6 points per game. However, their offense has been lackluster, averaging only 68.6 points per game (309th in the nation).

Duquesne’s slower pace (319th in tempo) has helped them defensively, but it has also limited their scoring opportunities. Tre Dinkins (12.6 PPG) and Jahsean Corbett (9.4 PPG) have been key players, but the team’s inability to convert free throws (63.1%, 360th in the nation) has been a recurring issue.

Head-to-Head Analysis

The Fordham Rams have dominated recent matchups, winning six of the last seven games against Duquesne. In their most recent meeting on January 26, 2025, Fordham edged out a 65-63 victory at home. However, Duquesne has been competitive in most of their losses, with 11 of their 15 defeats coming by seven points or fewer.

Key Betting Trends

1. Spread: Duquesne is favored by 6.5 points, but they’ve struggled as home favorites, going 1-5 against the spread in such games this season. Fordham, on the other hand, has covered the spread in five of their last seven games as road underdogs.
2. Over/Under: The total is set at 141.5 points. Fordham’s fast-paced offense and poor defense suggest a high-scoring game, but Duquesne’s slow tempo and strong defense could keep the score lower. Four of the last six matchups between these teams have gone under the total.
3. Moneyline: Duquesne has a 74.7% implied probability of winning, but their 2-8 record as moneyline favorites this season raises concerns. Fordham, despite being underdogs, has won five of their 15 games in that role.

Prediction and Betting Tips

Prediction

This game is likely to be closely contested, with both teams fighting to improve their conference records. While Duquesne has the home-court advantage and a stronger defense, Fordham’s recent dominance in the head-to-head series and their ability to keep games close as underdogs make them a compelling pick.

Final Score Prediction: Duquesne 75, Fordham 68.

Betting Tips

1. Spread: Take Fordham +6.5. The Rams have a strong track record against Duquesne and have covered the spread in most of their recent games as underdogs.
2. Over/Under: Lean towards the under 141.5. Duquesne’s slow pace and strong defense could limit the scoring, especially given Fordham’s poor shooting efficiency.
3. Player Props: Consider betting on Japhet Medor (Fordham) to score over 13.5 points. He’s been a consistent scorer and had 24 points in Fordham’s last game.

Key Players to Watch

• Fordham: Jackie Johnson III (18.7 PPG), Japhet Medor (13.5 PPG), and Joshua Rivera (11.2 PPG) will be crucial for the Rams’ offense.
• Duquesne: Tre Dinkins (12.6 PPG), Jahsean Corbett (9.4 PPG), and Kareem Rozier (7.1 PPG, 4.09 assist-to-turnover ratio) will need to step up for the Dukes.

Conclusion

The Fordham Rams vs. Duquesne Dukes matchup is shaping up to be an intriguing battle between two teams looking to turn their seasons around. While Duquesne has the edge defensively and at home, Fordham’s recent success in the series and their ability to keep games close make them a strong contender to cover the spread. Whether you’re betting on the spread, total, or player props, this game offers plenty of opportunities for savvy bettors.

For more insights and expert picks, stay tuned to our partner sites and betting platforms. Good luck, and enjoy the game!

Note: All odds and statistics are accurate as of February 19, 2025, and are subject to change. Always gamble responsibly.