VCU Rams vs NC State Wolfpack Prediction and Picks - November 17, 2025
College hoops action on Monday evening, and we have a VCU vs NC State prediction ready to rock and roll. The Rams enter this game at 2-1 on the year and off a 78-61 home win over St Peter's. NC State is off a 110-64 home win over NC Greensboro, which moves them to 3-0 on the year. Continue reading to see our VCU vs NC State prediction.
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Rams Crush Peacocks At Home
VCU heads into Raleigh at 2-1, fresh off a convincing 78-61 win over Saint Peter’s that showcased their defensive identity. The Rams opened the season with a 103-74 blowout of Wagner before dropping a tight 80-77 contest to Utah State in Frisco, so they’ve already shown both their offensive firepower and their ability to grind through close games. In the win over Saint Peter’s, forward Brandon Ward led the way with 15 points, while Jayden Evans controlled the glass with eight rebounds and added four assists. The Rams’ balanced scoring and ability to pressure opponents in the half court have been trademarks of their early success.
Defensively, VCU has been sharp, holding opponents under 40% shooting in two of their first three games. Their trademark “Havoc” style remains intact, forcing turnovers and turning them into transition opportunities. Evans has been a steady presence inside, while guards like Djokovic and Lewis have provided perimeter scoring and defensive intensity. The Rams’ ability to rotate fresh bodies and keep the pace high has made them difficult to handle, especially when they’re at home, though this will be their first true road test of the season.
The matchup against NC State is a chance for VCU to measure themselves against a ranked ACC opponent. The Rams will need to control tempo, limit second-chance points, and find ways to get consistent scoring from multiple options. If they can keep the game in the 70s and force NC State into a half-court battle, VCU has the tools to make this a competitive contest.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Ricky Tran | +4,662.00 |
| 2 |  Nick Parsons | +2,593.00 |
| 3 |  Mark Ruelle | +2,307.00 |
| 4 |  David Delano | +2,049.00 |
| 5 |  Sean Higgs | +763.00 |
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The Offense Is Rolling For The Wolfpack
NC State comes in undefeated at 3-0, having dominated its early schedule with wins over NC Central (114-66), UAB (94-70), and UNC Greensboro (110-64). The Wolfpack have been explosive offensively, averaging over 106 points per game, with guard D.J. Williams leading the charge. Williams dropped 32 points and 10 rebounds in the win over UNCG, showing his ability to take over games. Forward Sagnia has been a force on the boards, pulling down double-digit rebounds, while Copeland has provided steady playmaking with six assists in that same contest.
Defensively, NC State has been just as dominant, holding opponents under 40% shooting and using their athleticism to overwhelm teams. Their ability to go on extended scoring runs — like the 23-0 burst against UNCG — highlights how quickly they can flip momentum. The Wolfpack have size inside, speed on the perimeter, and depth off the bench, giving head coach Kevin Keatts plenty of options to mix and match lineups. Their transition game has been lethal, and when they’re hitting threes, they look nearly unstoppable.
This matchup against VCU is their toughest test yet, as the Rams bring a defensive edge and a physical style that can disrupt rhythm. NC State will look to push pace, crash the boards, and rely on Williams to set the tone offensively. If they can maintain their shooting efficiency and keep turnovers low, the Wolfpack have the firepower to stay unbeaten and continue building momentum heading into the Maui Invitational.
VCU vs NC State Pick
VCU vs NC State Spread Pick
- NC State -13 (1 Unit)
NC State -13 feels like the right side because the Wolfpack have been dominant in their early-season stretch, averaging over 106 points per game while winning each of their first three contests by at least 24 points. D.J. Williams has emerged as a go-to scorer, dropping 32 points against UNC Greensboro, while Sagnia and Copeland have controlled the boards and distributed the ball with efficiency. Their ability to go on extended runs — like the 23-0 burst against UNCG — shows how quickly they can bury opponents, and VCU’s offense hasn’t shown the firepower to keep pace with that kind of surge.
On the other side, VCU has been competitive but inconsistent, scoring just 78 in their win over Saint Peter’s and struggling to close out Utah State in a narrow loss. The Rams rely heavily on their defense and pressure style, but NC State’s depth and athleticism make them uniquely equipped to handle that approach. With the Wolfpack shooting over 50% from the field and forcing opponents into mistakes, this matchup sets up for them to control tempo and pull away late. Covering the -13 spread looks realistic given NC State’s balance, pace, and ability to overwhelm teams with both scoring and defensive pressure.
VCU vs NC State Over/Under Pick
- Over 166 (3 Units)
The Over 166 looks appealing because both NC State and VCU thrive in uptempo styles that generate points in bunches. NC State has been explosive to start the season, averaging over 106 points per game with D.J. Williams leading the charge and multiple players capable of scoring in double figures. VCU, while more defensive-minded, has shown it can push pace too, scoring 103 in its opener and averaging nearly 80 points across its first three contests. With the Wolfpack’s ability to go on extended scoring runs and the Rams’ willingness to attack in transition, this matchup sets up as a high-possession game where both teams can push the total past 166.
