Saint Louis vs. Davidson Prediction and Odds for A-10 Semifinals (Saint Louis March Madness Hopes Stay Alive)

Saint Louis advanced in the A-10 Tournament in a thrilling one point victory against St. Bonaventure on Friday.

Now, the Billikens look to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive against A-10 powerhouse Davidson, who is already set to participate in March Madness.

Can the Bilks win as small underdogs? Here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook:

St. Louis vs. Davidson Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• St. Louis: +3 (-110)
• Davidson: -3 (-110)

Moneyline:

• St Louis: +127
• Davidson: -155

Total: 135 (Over -110/Under -110)

St. Louis vs. Davidson Prediction and Pick

These two met on February 19th and SLU was boatraced by the Wildcats 3-point offense. Davidson shot 14-of-24 at home and the Bilks never had a prayer. Ultimately, Davidson won 79-58. This is the A-10's best offense so it's possible that they go off again, but I'm banking on a better defensive performance from the normally stout St. Louis defense.

The Bilks allow the third lowest 3-point rate in the conference and also do a great job of cutting off ball movement from teams, allowing the lowest assist rate in A-10 play. SLU is going to force Davidson to win in isolation situations and I think big man Francis Okoro is up to snuff against versatile big Wildcats center Luka Brajkovic, who scored 16 in the February victory.

Davidson's defense isn't going to challenge SLU's ball handlers, the team's compact defense is going to let the underdogs hoist from beyond the arc. Davidson is bottom 25 in the country in 3-point rate and generates the second fewest turnovers. With that being said, the Bilks do a great job of getting at the rim, ranking 12th in the country in near proximity percentage per Haslemetrics (for what it's worth, Davidson is 6th on defense, meaning they allow very few shots at the rim). The game is likely won on if SLU can get some looks inside.

I'll grab this at over a bucket. Less than a month ago, Davidson closed a 1.5-point favorite at home and is now laying 3 on a neutral? I think the Bilks have edges that can come to fruition in this game. If they can get inside I think they match up well on the outside and can limit an explosion from deep.

PICK: St. Louis +3, play to +2.5

All of Reed's college basketball plays can be tracked here, his best bets column for college basketball is 94-91-3 for -1.22 units.