#721 ASA TOP PLAY ON VCU -130 over Massachusetts, Thursday at 2 PM ET - Big revenger for VCU who lost at UMass by 22 points near the end of February in their only meeting this season. It was by far the Rams worst loss in A10 play and actually their worst loss of the entire season. VCU shot just 30% in that game while UMass knocked down 47% of their shots at home. Both teams made 8 three pointers (both 8 of 25) but we expect a large edge for VCU from deep in this rematch. The Rams are the 2nd best 3 point shooting team in the Atlantic 10 hitting 39% from deep while UMass is a terrible outside shooting team making only 30% of their triples (last in the A10). The Rams are 1st in the conference with 39% of their points coming from deep while the Minutemen are dead last with only 25% of their points coming from 3 point land. VCU is also the better defensive team ranking in the top 30 nationally in eFG% allowed and in the top 65 in defensive efficiency. UMass ranks 63rd in eFG% defense and outside the top 100 in defensive efficiency. These teams finished with identical 11-7 records in conference play yet UMass played the easiest slate in league play (15th SOS) and VCU played the 5th most difficult schedule in the conference. The top 2 teams in the A10 per KenPom (ahead of these 2 who ranked 3rd and 4th) were Dayton and Richmond. VCU played each twice winning at home a losing tight games on the road in OT @ Dayton and by 3 points @ Richmond. UMass played each only once with 1-1 record. VCU played yesterday here in Brooklyn beating Fordham which we think gives them an advantage already get accustomed to this NBA venue. We like VCU to win this one.