The set-up: The 11-3 VCU Rams and the 8-6 Duquesne Dukes meet Wednesday in college basketball action at the A.J. Palumbo Center in Pittsburgh. Both schools have opened 1-0 in A-10 play, although Duquesne's best win so far came back on Dec.2 over cross-city rival Pittsburgh, 64-55 as nearly a two-TD underdog. VCU lost back-to-back games to Illinois and Ga. Tech in early December but enters on a five-game winning streak.

Virginia Commonwealt: The Rams are well-known quantity to most basketball fans and come off a 25-win season and yet another NCAA appearance. The Rams have won 24 or more games for 10 consecutive seasons, a period which spans three head coaches. Will Wade is in his second year and why won't this team win 24-plus games again in 2016-17? The team's top-player is gone (Melvin Johnson averaged 17.4 PPG) but PG Lewis (16.1 & 4.1 APG) and the 6-7 Alie-Cox (10.1 & 4.1) lead a well-balanced group which is holding opponents to 65.1 PPG (51st).

Duquesne:The Dukes have upset Pitt and have a nice group of players. Guards Lewis (12.1). Smith (10.9) and Blackman(10.7) all average in double figures plus the 6-8 Mike (10.1 & 5.7) and the 6-8 Sanders (5.6 & 6.2) are the team's starting frontcourt players.

The pick: Duquesne has won seven of their last 10 home games but are just 2-8 ATS. Meanwhile, the Rams are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 road games. VCU is an 8* play.