RICHMOND (Interstat) — VCU will open its men’s NCAA Division I basketball season by hosting Arkansas-Little Rock on Monday at the Siegel Center in Richmond, Va. The Rams and Trojans both enter with 0-0 records, giving each side a fresh start and an early chance to establish rhythm before their schedules accelerate.

VCU will be at home in a building known for a loud, active crowd, and the Rams will try to use that setting to control tempo and force Arkansas-Little Rock into difficult half-court possessions. The Trojans will counter with a road test against a VCU program that typically pressures the ball, contests shots and looks to turn defense into quick offense. Arkansas-Little Rock will need poise early, especially if the Rams open with an aggressive defensive approach.

Lindenwood most recently defeated Arkansas-Little Rock 72-62 on March 4. That result closed the Trojans’ previous stretch of play on a sour note, but the new season offers a clean slate. The Trojans will look to settle into their offense, limit turnovers and compete on the glass to keep the game within reach. A strong start on the road would help Arkansas-Little Rock build confidence before a busy upcoming stretch.

VCU most recently fell 76-55 at Illinois on March 21. The Rams will aim to begin the new campaign with a more efficient offensive performance and a tighter defensive effort. VCU’s home floor and depth should be significant factors, but the Rams will need to avoid early-season sloppiness and execute in half-court situations. The matchup gives VCU a chance to set a tone before a demanding nonconference schedule.

Arkansas-Little Rock’s upcoming slate includes a home game against Southeastern Louisiana, a road trip to New Mexico and home contests against Northwestern State, Ark. Baptist, Lane and Southern Illinois. The Trojans also are scheduled to visit Jacksonville, North Florida, Jacksonville State and Arkansas State. VCU’s future schedule features a road game at Memphis, a home game against NJIT, a trip to Santa Clara and a neutral-site meeting with Providence in Lahaina, Hawaii. The Rams also are set to face Coppin State, North Carolina Central, Central Connecticut, Mississippi State and Morgan State in a mix of home and neutral-site games, plus a road game at Florida Atlantic in Orlando, Florida. The early season offers both teams a chance to build continuity before the schedule becomes more demanding.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of VCU 86, Arkansas-Little Rock 73. Interstat’s ELO system gives VCU a 96.6 percent probability to win. VCU has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -19, and the over/under for the game is 153.5.