Richmond Spiders vs. La Salle Explorers Prediction and Betting Tips

The Richmond Spiders and La Salle Explorers are set to clash in an exciting Atlantic 10 Conference matchup on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Tom Gola Arena in Philadelphia. Both teams enter this game with identical 4-9 conference records, making this a crucial battle for positioning in the standings. With tipoff scheduled for 6:30 PM ET and the game airing on ESPN+, fans and bettors alike are eager to see how this contest unfolds. In this article, we’ll break down the matchup, provide predictions, and offer betting tips to help you make informed decisions.

Game Overview

Team Records and Recent Performances

The Richmond Spiders (9-17, 4-9 A-10) are coming off a hard-fought 70-66 victory over Fordham, snapping a two-game losing streak. Despite their struggles this season, Richmond has shown resilience, particularly at home. However, their road record is a dismal 1-9, with their only away win coming against UMass on January .

On the other hand, the La Salle Explorers (12-14, 4-9 A-10) are looking to end a four-game losing streak. Their most recent loss was an 86-71 defeat to Rhode Island, where they struggled defensively, allowing the Rams to shoot 60% from the field. La Salle has been stronger at home, boasting a 9-3 record at Tom Gola Arena.

Key Stats and Trends

• Richmond: The Spiders average 67.8 points per game (323rd in the nation) and allow 72.3 points (200th). They shoot 42.2% from the field and 30.8% from three-point range. Their defense has been relatively solid, ranking 203rd in scoring defense.
• La Salle: The Explorers average 73.3 points per game (204th) but give up 76 points (295th). They shoot 41.7% from the field and 32.2% from beyond the arc. La Salle has struggled defensively, ranking 14th in the Atlantic 10 in opponents’ field goal percentage.

Betting Odds and Lines

As of February 19, 2025, the betting odds for this matchup are as follows:

• Spread: La Salle -4.5
• Moneyline: La Salle -190, Richmond +155
• Total Points: 139.5.

La Salle is favored by 4.5 points, reflecting their strong home record and Richmond’s struggles on the road. The total points line of 139.5 suggests a relatively low-scoring game, which aligns with both teams’ offensive inefficiencies.

Richmond Spiders: Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

1. Defensive Efficiency: Richmond ranks 7th in the Atlantic 10 in opponents’ field goal percentage, holding teams to 70.1 points per game in conference play.
2. Free Throw Shooting: The Spiders are one of the best free-throw shooting teams in the nation, converting 78.7% of their attempts (14th overall).
3. Ball Security: Richmond commits just 9.5 turnovers per game, ranking 30th in the nation.

Weaknesses

1. Offensive Struggles: The Spiders rank 323rd in scoring offense, averaging just 67.8 points per game. Their three-point shooting (30.8%) is among the worst in Division I38.
2. Rebounding: Richmond averages only 29.4 rebounds per game (321st), often losing the battle on the boards.

La Salle Explorers: Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

1. Home Court Advantage: La Salle is 9-3 at home this season, including wins over Cornell, Temple, and Davidson.
2. Balanced Scoring: Corey McKeithan (15 PPG) and Deuce Jones (12.1 PPG) lead a relatively balanced offensive attack.
3. Rebounding: The Explorers average 33.5 rebounds per game (100th), giving them an edge on the glass.

Weaknesses

1. Defensive Lapses: La Salle ranks 14th in the Atlantic 10 in opponents’ field goal percentage, allowing 77.1 points per game.
2. Three-Point Shooting: The Explorers make just 6.8 three-pointers per game (271st) and shoot 32.2% from beyond the arc.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Richmond holds a 24-18 advantage in the all-time series, including an 82-65 victory in their most recent meeting on February 10, 20243. However, La Salle has historically performed well at home against the Spiders, winning three of the last five matchups at Tom Gola Arena.

Prediction and Betting Tips

Final Score Prediction

Based on recent performances and key stats, our prediction is:
La Salle 74, Richmond 71

Betting Tips

1. Spread: Take Richmond +4.5. The Spiders have covered the spread in four of their last seven games as underdogs, and their strong defense should keep this game close.
2. Total Points: Bet the under (139.5). Both teams struggle offensively, and Richmond’s slow pace (326th in possessions per game) should limit scoring opportunities.
3. Moneyline: Consider a small wager on Richmond +155. While La Salle is favored, the Spiders’ ability to keep games close makes them a tempting underdog pick.

Key Players to Watch

Richmond Spiders

• Dusan Neskovic: The team’s leading scorer (13.9 PPG) and rebounder (3.7 RPG) will need to have a big game for Richmond to pull off the upset.
• Delonnie Hunt: Although out with a foot injury, his absence has been felt. Richmond’s offense has struggled without his 16.8 PPG.

La Salle Explorers

• Corey McKeithan: The Explorers’ top scorer (15 PPG) and three-point shooter (2.2 3PM/G) will be crucial in breaking down Richmond’s defense.
• Deuce Jones: A versatile player averaging 12.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, and 1.7 SPG, Jones can impact the game on both ends of the floor.

Conclusion

The Richmond Spiders vs. La Salle Explorers matchup promises to be a tightly contested game, with both teams fighting to improve their standings in the Atlantic 10. While La Salle holds the home-court advantage, Richmond’s strong defense and ability to keep games close make them a live underdog. For bettors, taking Richmond +4.5 and betting the under (139.5) are the most appealing options.

Stay tuned for what should be an exciting game, and don’t forget to check out our partner sites for more expert picks and analysis!

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