Prediction: VCU Rams VS NC State Wolfpack 2025-11-17
VCU Rams vs. NC State Wolfpack: A Tale of Tommies, Rebuilds, and 12.5-Point Handicaps
Ladies and gentlemen, prepare for a basketball game so lopsided in the odds, it’s like betting on a tortoise to race a Tesla and giving the tortoise a 12.5-meter head start. On Monday, November 17, 2025, the NC State Wolfpack (-12.5) host the VCU Rams (+12.5) in a clash of old coaching factories and new rebuilds. Let’s break this down with the statistical rigor of a tax auditor and the humor of a stand-up comedian who’s had one too many espressos.
Parse the Odds: Why NC State is the Favorite
The numbers scream “Wolfpack party!” NC State just obliterated UNC Greensboro 110-64, with Darrion Williams dropping 32 points like confetti at a championship parade. Their implied probability of winning? A ludicrous 90.9% (per decimal odds of 1.1). That’s not a sportsbook line—it’s a mathematical guarantee that VCU’s fans should bring a second blanket.
The spread? A steep 12.5 points. Why? Because VCU lost its top five scorers from last season’s 28-7 team, including A-10 Player of the Year Max Shulga. The Rams are essentially a college freshman basketball team masquerading as a D-I program. Their new coach, Phil Martelli Jr., has a stellar résumé (Bryant’s 23-12 in 2024), but even Phil Sr. would struggle to turn this roster into a contender overnight.
NC State’s offense, meanwhile, is a well-oiled machine. Last season, they averaged 69.6 PPG, with 28.7 points in the paint and 13.7 points off turnovers. They don’t just play basketball—they perform cardiovascular surgery on defenses.
Digest the News: Injuries, Rebuilds, and Coaching Legacies
VCU’s woes? Let’s start with the obvious: They’re a team in complete rebuild mode. Their new-look roster is so unproven, it’s like a TikTok tryhard trying to dunk for the first time. Phil Martelli Jr. inherits a program that’s churned out Power 4 coaches like a NBA G League for headsets. Will Wade, Ryan Odom, and Shaka Smart all graduated from VCU’s “How to Win a National Championship” masterclass. This year? The Rams are more “How to Lose a Google Search” than “March Madness.”
NC State, meanwhile, is a team with zero excuses. Darrion Williams is playing like he’s been binge-watching highlight reels of his own highlights. The Wolfpack’s home court, Lenovo Center, is a fortress where they went 12-6 last season. And let’s not forget: Their defense isn’t just good—it’s a porous sieve that somehow still works. Last year, they allowed 72.3 PPG but made up for it with offensive efficiency. Think of them as a leaky faucet that still fills the sink.
Humorous Spin: The Absurdity of It All
VCU’s new team is so young, they probably still think the A-10 is a type of sandwich. Their defense? A work of art—8.1 steals and 5.4 blocks per game last season. Too bad their offense is a deflated balloon. Without Max Shulga, the Rams are like a McDonald’s without the fries: present, but why?
NC State’s offense, meanwhile, is a culinary masterpiece. Williams is so hot right now, he could melt the basketball. The Wolfpack’s 110-64 win over UNC Greensboro was so one-sided, the losing team started a conga line at halftime.
And let’s not forget the spread: 12.5 points. That’s the difference between a college game and a high school scrimmage. If VCU wants to cover, they’ll need to invent a time machine, bring back Shulga, and hope NC State’s players all catch the flu at the same time.
Prediction: Why NC State Wins and Why You Should Care
The math is simple: NC State 84, VCU 74 (per KenPom) or 86-78 (per Bart Torvik). The Wolfpack’s offensive firepower and VCU’s lack thereof make this a mismatch. The over/under is 166 points—take the over if you want to salivate over NC State’s 13.7 points off turnovers, but realistically, this game will be a clinic in why you don’t bet on rebuilding programs.
In conclusion, VCU is the reason we have “rebuilding seasons.” NC State is the reason we have “12.5-point lines.” Unless you enjoy watching a team try to score against a wall, bet on the Wolfpack. And if you’re a VCU fan? Grab a life, a second-round pick, and a very warm coat.
Final Score Prediction: NC State 86, VCU 72
Final Spread Result: Wolfpack win by 14—because 12.5 is just a suggestion.
Created: Nov. 17, 2025, 12:45 p.m. GMT